http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specificationLiberty Newsen-uswww.libertyfamilychurch.net.auLiberty Officenohttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.auFri, 22 Feb 2019 15:33:55 GMTLiberty NewsLiberty NewsMon, 18 Feb 2019 04:06:29 GMTWhat Do You Say?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-do-you-sayFri, 22 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMTLiberty Office While following the Read Scripture Bible reading plan (see either Pastor Joel or myself if you want to try it), I came across this unequivocal statement from Jesus, as to who He is. He said this while talking to the woman at the well in Samaria at Sychar. I encourage you to read the full passage: John 4:4-38.What hit me in the face was the clear statement of His identity: John 4:25-26 (NIV)25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. ]]> While following the Read Scripture Bible reading plan (see either Pastor Joel or myself if you want to try it), I came across this unequivocal statement from Jesus, as to who He is. He said this while talking to the woman at the well in Samaria at Sychar. I encourage you to read the full passage: John 4:4-38.What hit me in the face was the clear statement of His identity: John 4:25-26 (NIV)25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming.

While following the Read Scripture Bible reading plan (see either Pastor Joel or myself if you want to try it), I came across this unequivocal statement from Jesus, as to who He is. He said this while talking to the woman at the well in Samaria at Sychar. I encourage you to read the full passage: John 4:4-38.

What hit me in the face was the clear statement of His identity: John 4:25-26 (NIV)

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

That is as clear as it gets. Jesus was in no doubt as to who He is, which renders absurd any suggestion that Jesus was just a good teacher or a leader of a rag-tag group of hopefuls.

As C. S. Lewis suggested, this is something we cannot ignore.

Either Jesus was a liar, which means He knew He wasn't the Messiah but wanted others to think He was. Or Jesus was a lunatic, which means He thought He was the Messiah but wasn't. Or Jesus is Lord, which means He is who He said He is.

The question every person on planet Earth has to face is: who do YOU say Jesus is?

Is Jesus a liar?

Is Jesus a lunatic?

Or is Jesus Lord, Messiah, Son of God, Lord of all creation?

I believe Jesus is Lord. What do you say *|FNAME|*?

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-do-you-sayWhat Would It Look Like?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-would-it-look-likeFri, 04 Jan 2019 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn a message I shared last year as part of our Teach Us To Pray series, I posed this question:"What would it look like if we devoted ourselves to prayer – like the members of the early church did – today?"The early church were devoted to prayer. Acts 1:14 (ESV) says that they "…were devoting themselves to prayer…” In other words, they were dedicated when it came to prayer. They knew how important prayer was and gave themselves wholeheartedly to...]]>In a message I shared last year as part of our Teach Us To Pray series, I posed this question:"What would it look like if we devoted ourselves to prayer – like the members of the early church did – today?"The early church were devoted to prayer. Acts 1:14 (ESV) says that they "…were devoting themselves to prayer…” In other words, they were dedicated when it came to prayer. They knew how important prayer was and gave themselves wholeheartedly to...In a message I shared last year as part of our Teach Us To Pray series, I posed this question:

"What would it look like if we devoted ourselves to prayer – like the members of the early church did – today?"

The early church were devoted to prayer. Acts 1:14 (ESV) says that they "…were devoting themselves to prayer…” In other words, they were dedicated when it came to prayer. They knew how important prayer was and gave themselves wholeheartedly to seeking and honouring and connecting with God through prayer.

"God has strategically chosen to establish and utilise prayer as part of His sovereign plan for us. It is like oxygen to our spiritual lives. It provides the needed wind in our sails to propel everything we do as believers, and it’s the unseen key to the success of every ministry of the church.”

What they say is so true... and this is why we are setting aside this month of January for prayer and fasting.

Over the course of this month, we are going to worship and wait on the LORD together. We encourage you to pray and fast as you feel led, but if you are after some ideas to help guide your prayers, check out our list of 10 themes here.

In addition to private prayer and fasting, we’re going to open up the church each Wednesday night in January (7:30-9pm) for corporate prayer and seeking. Get along!

Let’s join as one – a family of believers, eager to linger in God’s presence and pray ‘YOUR kingdom come; YOUR will be done’ in 2019. As we unite in this way *|FNAME|*, we will discover exactly what it looks like when a church community truly devote themselves to prayer!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-would-it-look-likePlanning for the New Yearhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/planning-for-the-new-yearFri, 28 Dec 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI’m sure, like me, you get to this time of the year and spend time reflecting on the year that has been, whilst also looking forward and planning for the new year that is to come.Planning is an important and worthwhile thing for us to do. After all … as a wise person once said:“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”Planning is an important thing that each of us would be wise to do as we seek to honour and serve God faithfully through the opportunities and responsibiliti...]]>I’m sure, like me, you get to this time of the year and spend time reflecting on the year that has been, whilst also looking forward and planning for the new year that is to come.Planning is an important and worthwhile thing for us to do. After all … as a wise person once said:“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”Planning is an important thing that each of us would be wise to do as we seek to honour and serve God faithfully through the opportunities and responsibiliti...I’m sure, like me, you get to this time of the year and spend time reflecting on the year that has been, whilst also looking forward and planning for the new year that is to come.

Planning is an important and worthwhile thing for us to do. After all … as a wise person once said:

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Planning is an important thing that each of us would be wise to do as we seek to honour and serve God faithfully through the opportunities and responsibilities He has given us. And yet we need to remember that, ultimately, God is in control of our lives and may very well change our plans for His glory and divine purposes.

When I was reading through the book of Proverbs in the ReadScripture app this year, Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) really jumped off the page and spoke to me:

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

We can plan and vision and dream about the ways that we should go. They are all good things to do and I encourage you to do them! But in the end, God is the one who establishes our steps and leads us in His paths of righteousness.

I want to encourage you as you plan, vision and dream for the year ahead *|FNAME|* ... remain open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and allow Him to establish your steps as you pray and connect with the King!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/planning-for-the-new-yearI Love Christmas!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/i-love-christmasFri, 21 Dec 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI love Christmas! It's a special time of year...I love it for many reasons: for the holidays, for the food, for fun gatherings, but the reason I love it the most is that we have such an amazing opportunity to share Jesus with the people around us!Take community carols events for example... when else do you hear songs about Jesus being openly sung by so many people (Christian or not) and in so many places? ]]>I love Christmas! It's a special time of year...I love it for many reasons: for the holidays, for the food, for fun gatherings, but the reason I love it the most is that we have such an amazing opportunity to share Jesus with the people around us!Take community carols events for example... when else do you hear songs about Jesus being openly sung by so many people (Christian or not) and in so many places? I love Christmas! It's a special time of year...

I love it for many reasons: for the holidays, for the food, for fun gatherings, but the reason I love it the most is that we have such an amazing opportunity to share Jesus with the people around us!

Take community carols events for example... when else do you hear songs about Jesus being openly sung by so many people (Christian or not) and in so many places? Realise it or not, but the good news of Jesus is being shared, and people are ok with it!

1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to '...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you togive the reason for the hope that you have...' As Christians, I believe we should always be looking for opportunities to share how Jesus has changed our lives. I just think Christmas gives us a great 'segue' to start these kinds of conversations with people.

I encourage you this Christmas to ask God to open up opportunities for you to share the true reason for the season and in turn opportunities to share the love of Jesus that is available to all!

God Bless,

Steve King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/i-love-christmasThe Christmas Consolationhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-christmas-consolationFri, 14 Dec 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThere are many circumstances in life that require comfort and encouragement. A good effort in an assignment or exam, a worthy performance in a sporting event, or a time of grief or disappointment. In situations like this, a consolation prize is sometimes given to bring comfort and encouragement to someone in need.But what if the consolation was the highest prize, the greatest gift?As we approach Christmas amidst the highs and lows of life, the triumphs and the disappointments, we can be reminded...]]>There are many circumstances in life that require comfort and encouragement. A good effort in an assignment or exam, a worthy performance in a sporting event, or a time of grief or disappointment. In situations like this, a consolation prize is sometimes given to bring comfort and encouragement to someone in need.But what if the consolation was the highest prize, the greatest gift?As we approach Christmas amidst the highs and lows of life, the triumphs and the disappointments, we can be reminded...There are many circumstances in life that require comfort and encouragement. A good effort in an assignment or exam, a worthy performance in a sporting event, or a time of grief or disappointment. In situations like this, a consolation prize is sometimes given to bring comfort and encouragement to someone in need.

But what if the consolation was the highest prize, the greatest gift?

As we approach Christmas amidst the highs and lows of life, the triumphs and the disappointments, we can be reminded that there is a consolation that is worth more than all the success the world can offer.

That consolation is the gift of the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:25-32 (NIV):

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.""

May each one of us be consoled this Christmas with the good news that brings tidings of great joy, the gift of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Yours in His Name,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-christmas-consolationThe Good Old Dayshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-good-old-daysFri, 07 Dec 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeDo you find yourself thinking about the "Good Old Days"? About how stress-free the days were when you were younger?Recently, when I was reading the book of Ecclesiastes as a part of the Read Scripture Bible Reading Plan, I came across this verse (Ecclesiastes 7:10):"Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions."Ouch! This is a challenge to all of us who might be caught looking back wistfully toward those "Goo...]]>Do you find yourself thinking about the "Good Old Days"? About how stress-free the days were when you were younger?Recently, when I was reading the book of Ecclesiastes as a part of the Read Scripture Bible Reading Plan, I came across this verse (Ecclesiastes 7:10):"Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions."Ouch! This is a challenge to all of us who might be caught looking back wistfully toward those "Goo...Do you find yourself thinking about the "Good Old Days"? About how stress-free the days were when you were younger?

Recently, when I was reading the book of Ecclesiastes as a part of the Read Scripture Bible Reading Plan, I came across this verse (Ecclesiastes 7:10):

"Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions."

Ouch! This is a challenge to all of us who might be caught looking back wistfully toward those "Good Old Days"!

Perhaps it may help to consider your life as a Christian as a candle. It is in the dark that the candle shines. That is when its purpose is revealed. Is now the time for you to shine the love of God into your world? Your life may be the only "gospel" that some may ever read.

May I suggest, rather than looking wistfully to the past, learn from the past and apply that learning in the present. Today is the only day where you can make a difference. The past is gone and tomorrow is yet to come. This saying may be helpful:

"Learn from the past; Live in the present; Plan for the future."

There was a film starring Robin Williams released in 1989 called "Dead Poets Society". The catch-cry of the film was: "Carpe Diem", which is Latin for "Seize the Day".

Perhaps this is something from the past, that we can apply today and help create the future that God is calling us to.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-good-old-daysDid Jesus Die To Make Me Rich?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/did-jesus-die-to-make-me-richFri, 30 Nov 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI'm sure many of you have heard the term prosperity theology or have heard someone refer to a particular recognised Christian leader as a "prosperity teacher."So what is prosperity theology and why should I even bother learning about it?David W. Jones has written an excellent article explaining exactly what prosperity theology is and why it is so dangerous to the cause of Christ. As David says in his article: "In light of Scripture, the prosperity gospel is fundamentally ...]]>I'm sure many of you have heard the term prosperity theology or have heard someone refer to a particular recognised Christian leader as a "prosperity teacher."So what is prosperity theology and why should I even bother learning about it?David W. Jones has written an excellent article explaining exactly what prosperity theology is and why it is so dangerous to the cause of Christ. As David says in his article: "In light of Scripture, the prosperity gospel is fundamentally ...

I'm sure many of you have heard the term prosperity theology or have heard someone refer to a particular recognised Christian leader as a "prosperity teacher."

So what is prosperity theology and why should I even bother learning about it?

"In light of Scripture, the prosperity gospel is fundamentally flawed. At bottom, it is a false gospel because of its faulty view of the relationship between God and man. Simply put, if the prosperity gospel is true, grace is obsolete, God is irrelevant, and man is the measure of all things.”

Sounds like there might be a couple of issues with this theology, doesn't it?

I'm not sure how much you know about prosperity theology but I do know this: people all over the world are falling for this false gospel. People all around the world are buying (couldn't help myself!) into this false gospel and as followers of Christ, this should break our hearts and compel us to join with God in seeing people restored in the truth.

By doing this not only will you guard yourself against this false doctrine, but you will also be equipping yourself with the knowledge to be able to support people who have become blinded to the truth by this theology. After all, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have an important role to play in seeing lost brothers and sisters return to the truth (James 5:19-20).

Join me in this ... for God's glory, for the sake of the Gospel, and for the benefit of every human being on this planet!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/did-jesus-die-to-make-me-richNot All Smooth Sailing...http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/not-all-smooth-sailingFri, 23 Nov 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThere's a song that says: ‘I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden.’ Neither did God, so beware of ‘rose garden’ theology.The Christian life is not a troublefree experience. There’s no divide where either you’re a believer and life is problem-free, or you’re an unbeliever and life is tough. It’s an up-and-down experience, bringing times you’ll enjoy and times you’ll endure. ]]>There's a song that says: ‘I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden.’ Neither did God, so beware of ‘rose garden’ theology.The Christian life is not a troublefree experience. There’s no divide where either you’re a believer and life is problem-free, or you’re an unbeliever and life is tough. It’s an up-and-down experience, bringing times you’ll enjoy and times you’ll endure.

There's a song that says: ‘I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden.’ Neither did God, so beware of ‘rose garden’ theology.

The Christian life is not a troublefree experience. There’s no divide where either you’re a believer and life is problem-free, or you’re an unbeliever and life is tough. It’s an up-and-down experience, bringing times you’ll enjoy and times you’ll endure. The Bible’s heroes experienced both the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat—some, like Elijah, even wishing to die.

Consider the paradoxes of God’s Word...

Jesus was a ‘man of sorrows.’ (Isaiah 53:3 NLT) Yet He was also ‘anointed...with the oil of gladness beyond (His) companions.’ (Hebrews 1:9 ESV)

Paul said he was ‘sorrowful, yet always rejoicing... poor, yet making many rich... having nothing, and yet possessing all things.’ (2 Corinthians 6:10 NKJV) These were his thoughts when he said, ‘I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.’ (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

In Proverbs 17:22 NKJV Solomon says, ‘A merry heart does good, like medicine.’ In Ecclesiastes 7:3 ESV he says, ‘Sorrow is better than laughter: for by sadness... the heart is made better.’ In Ecclesiastes 7:14 NAS he writes, ‘In...prosperity be happy; in...adversity consider God has made the one as well as the other.’

So rejoice! In your both/and world, God is still on the throne. He’s controlling the mix of joy to sorrow, peace to conflict, loss to gain, want to satisfaction, tragedy to triumph, with your best interests always foremost in His mind.

Bless ya,

Steve King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/not-all-smooth-sailingWhat Plan Has God Got In Store For You?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-plan-has-god-got-in-store-for-you1Fri, 16 Nov 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeLaura's sermon a while back titled God’s Not Finished With You Yet, got me thinking about my situation.As you know, my son Steven had an accident and has ended up currently in a wheelchair. Since then, I have been able to see God’s hand all the way through the following months.I had a sign something was wrong with my heart just before Easter and before Steven’s accident on Easter Monday. However, I was needed in God’s plan for Steven’s recovery thus it wasn&rsqu...]]>Laura's sermon a while back titled God’s Not Finished With You Yet, got me thinking about my situation.As you know, my son Steven had an accident and has ended up currently in a wheelchair. Since then, I have been able to see God’s hand all the way through the following months.I had a sign something was wrong with my heart just before Easter and before Steven’s accident on Easter Monday. However, I was needed in God’s plan for Steven’s recovery thus it wasn&rsqu...

As you know, my son Steven had an accident and has ended up currently in a wheelchair. Since then, I have been able to see God’s hand all the way through the following months.

I had a sign something was wrong with my heart just before Easter and before Steven’s accident on Easter Monday. However, I was needed in God’s plan for Steven’s recovery thus it wasn’t until a number of weeks later that I had my heart checked out with an ECG then an ECG stress test, both showing I was ok. I then went on a planned fishing trip with my other son Gary to Bathurst Island (north of Darwin), at this stage not knowing my condition.

When I arrived home I was not happy with the results of previous tests and insisted on an angiogram. This time it was revealed that I had not one, but four blockages; the worst being 90% blocked. I was a walking time bomb.

They told me to book into a hospital in three weeks. To me, this was surprising considering my condition, yet God was in control and not finished with me in His plan.

By the time I entered the hospital, Steven was back at home continuing his recovery. My surgery was successful and I am now back at work and still able to assist Steven in his recovery. We both have been blessed with God saying to us that He is not finished with us yet. We are blessed through our business and get a lot of satisfaction blessing others and I know in my heart that God continues to use us in His plans.

Ask yourself << Test First Name >>... what plan has God got in store for you?

Les King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-plan-has-god-got-in-store-for-you1Respect for our Political Leaders?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/respect-for-our-political-leadersFri, 09 Nov 2018 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIt seems in Australia, the respect the general populace holds for our political leaders, at all levels of government, is at an all-time low. We witness the revolving door of Prime Ministers in Canberra, and locally our Premier "promising the earth" should he be re-elected. The Opposition parties don't seem much better with their own in-fighting and outrageous promises; we are left wondering what the future holds for our country.Yet, the Bible makes this amazing statement in Romans 13:1 (NI...]]>It seems in Australia, the respect the general populace holds for our political leaders, at all levels of government, is at an all-time low. We witness the revolving door of Prime Ministers in Canberra, and locally our Premier "promising the earth" should he be re-elected. The Opposition parties don't seem much better with their own in-fighting and outrageous promises; we are left wondering what the future holds for our country.Yet, the Bible makes this amazing statement in Romans 13:1 (NI...

It seems in Australia, the respect the general populace holds for our political leaders, at all levels of government, is at an all-time low. We witness the revolving door of Prime Ministers in Canberra, and locally our Premier "promising the earth" should he be re-elected. The Opposition parties don't seem much better with their own in-fighting and outrageous promises; we are left wondering what the future holds for our country.

Yet, the Bible makes this amazing statement in Romans 13:1 (NIV):

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Surely He can't be serious! ALL authority is established by God? What about the evil and the incompetent authorities?

Since the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans at the time of Roman governance, we can conclude he does mean ALL authority - even evil and incompetent government. The Romans were pagan and brutal, so Paul knew exactly what he was talking about.

The Old Testament also reveals this theme, of authority established by God - good, bad and indifferent. If you read the book of Habakkuk (only 3 chapters long), you will witness the bewilderment of the prophet Habakkuk when God tells him He will raise up an even more wicked ruler than they were currently experiencing. In the 3rd chapter, Habakkuk responds in humility and acknowledges the sovereignty of God.

So, what do we do as we witness the problems with our political leaders?

My suggestion is we do as Habakkuk did - respond in prayer and humility. We may not like the individuals in positions of power or their stance on issues of importance to us. I do believe, however, we are called to respect them. If not the individual, then definitely the position.

A couple of weeks ago I read an article in the paper about some comments Tiger Woods made about President Trump:

"He's the President of the United States and you have to respect the office. And no matter who's in the office - you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office."

Tiger has been through his own series of problems and irrespective of what you may think of him, what he says here is totally correct ( and Biblical whether he knows it or not).

We all need to respect the political office that our leaders hold. We don't have to agree with them, but we do need to respect the position they hold.

Let's not join with the pack of so many of the media and the population that are not just critical of the policies, but quite disparaging of the individuals. Let's be a voice of reason and respect for the roles they hold and not descend to put-downs of them personally.

Something to think about...

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/respect-for-our-political-leadersServing Othershttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/serving-othersFri, 02 Nov 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeOver the course of the last few weeks I have been spending time considering what it means to be a servant.I didn’t have to think for too long before Jesus’ life of sacrificial service popped into my head. Jesus set the example of what it means to serve one another in love didn’t He? One of Jesus’ servant-hearted actions that particularly spoke to me was the time when He humbled Himself and washed the feet of His disciples (you can read about it in John 13:2-5).In Jesus&rs...]]>Over the course of the last few weeks I have been spending time considering what it means to be a servant.I didn’t have to think for too long before Jesus’ life of sacrificial service popped into my head. Jesus set the example of what it means to serve one another in love didn’t He? One of Jesus’ servant-hearted actions that particularly spoke to me was the time when He humbled Himself and washed the feet of His disciples (you can read about it in John 13:2-5).In Jesus&rs...

Over the course of the last few weeks I have been spending time considering what it means to be a servant.

I didn’t have to think for too long before Jesus’ life of sacrificial service popped into my head. Jesus set the example of what it means to serve one another in love didn’t He? One of Jesus’ servant-hearted actions that particularly spoke to me was the time when He humbled Himself and washed the feet of His disciples (you can read about it in John 13:2-5).

In Jesus’ day, washing feet was a job that was reserved for servants. It was not something that anyone important ever thought about doing, let alone did! Such a job was degrading. It was a job to be done by the lowliest servant, not a job for someone important… especially not a job suited for the God of the universe!

And yet Jesus – motivated by love and compassion for his friends – chose to humble Himself and serve the needs of His disciples… He chose to serve others in love. And He calls us to love others in the same way. 1 John 3:16-18 (ESV) says:"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."Why not take some time over the long weekend to pray about the areas that God might be calling you to serve Him and your brothers and sisters here at Liberty? There are plenty of great service opportunities featured in this year’s Count Me In! campaign… why not check them out and fill in a card next time you are at church << Test First Name >>?

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/serving-othersDid I Miss Anything?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/did-i-miss-anythingFri, 26 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeHow many times have you heard it said? How many times have you said it yourself? You get caught in traffic and miss the first 15 minutes of the performance. ]]>How many times have you heard it said? How many times have you said it yourself? You get caught in traffic and miss the first 15 minutes of the performance.

How many times have you heard it said? How many times have you said it yourself? You get caught in traffic and miss the first 15 minutes of the performance. A huge crowd and long queues outside the stadium mean you reach your seat just before quarter time of the big game. You come back to work after 4 weeks holiday and reacquaint yourself with your work desk and colleagues. "Did I miss anything?"

Are you kidding?! The opening overture of Les Miserables, your team piled on 7 unanswered goals in the first 20 minutes, the boss gave everyone a raise and shouted dinner at "Stones".

There are times in life when we miss things due to unavoidable circumstances. But there are also times in life when we miss things and we have no one to blame but ourselves. Choices that we make, priorities that we set, and attitudes that we hold can all be the cause of missing something of great worth.

In the gospel of John, chapter 20, we read that Jesus' disciple Thomas was not present with the others when Jesus came. We are not told the reason he was missing. Perhaps there was an unavoidable circumstance, a family crisis or emergency, that kept Thomas away. Or perhaps he just made a conscious decision that he had other things to do that day. Later on, Thomas caught up with the other disciples. Maybe Thomas asked them, "Did I miss anything?" The other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" A resurrection appearance of the Son of God! Fancy missing that! Wouldn't you just want to kick yourself if you could have been there!

As members of God's family, we are exhorted by the Word and given many opportunities to gather together and encourage one another. 10 am on Sunday, Connect groups, working bees, music practice, and social activities are just a few. Let's make good choices, wherever possible, to enjoy things of great value.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/did-i-miss-anythingCaring For Our Childrenhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/caring-for-our-childrenFri, 19 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeWhen I first became a mother, my own mother reminded me that this beautiful baby was a creation of God, on loan to me to raise for His glory. I was immediately overwhelmed by the honour and huge responsibility this brought with it. But it is not just parents that are given this responsibility to care for our children. ]]>When I first became a mother, my own mother reminded me that this beautiful baby was a creation of God, on loan to me to raise for His glory. I was immediately overwhelmed by the honour and huge responsibility this brought with it. But it is not just parents that are given this responsibility to care for our children.

When I first became a mother, my own mother reminded me that this beautiful baby was a creation of God, on loan to me to raise for His glory. I was immediately overwhelmed by the honour and huge responsibility this brought with it. But it is not just parents that are given this responsibility to care for our children. The responsibility rests with all of us as we represent the body of Christ.

As we heard from Anita’s reflection last week, ‘the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it’ (NIV) (Psalm 24:1). God created the entire world including the land and sea, planets and galaxies, animals and people, including children. Therefore, everything we have, including our children, are on loan to us from God and therefore should be honoured and respected for His glory.

According to the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, children have the right to be properly cared for and protected from violence, abuse and neglect by their parents and anyone else who looks after them. These rights outline the way in which children should be treated. From a biblical perspective, children have the right to be protected because God created them in his image and because they belong to him.

Unfortunately, as we are all too aware, the church has often failed in its responsibility to protect its most vulnerable members. Following recent inquiries by state and national levels of government, a number of child safety standards have been identified which aim to make institutions, such as churches, safer for children.

As a church, we are going through the process of updating our alignment with these child safe standards. In response to God’s creation of and love of children, we want to ensure we are doing all we can to protect every child that walks through the doors of

Liberty.

More information about this process and the guidelines will be shared in the weeks to come, but in the mean-time please feel free to contact myself, Anita King or Graeme Mawson if you have any questions.

God bless,

Megan McGrath

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/caring-for-our-childrenDon't Waste What You've Gothttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/dont-waste-what-youve-gotFri, 05 Oct 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeFor the next five weeks in Liberty Kids we are looking at stewardship; defined for our purposes as 'taking care of what you have because it all belongs to God.'How can you treat everything like it belongs to God? Kids have an easy time claiming what’s theirs. One of the first words a child learns is “mine!” We want kids to understand that what they have is actually on loan to us.It’s hard for anyone to refocus how they think about their stuff. This is especia...]]>For the next five weeks in Liberty Kids we are looking at stewardship; defined for our purposes as 'taking care of what you have because it all belongs to God.'How can you treat everything like it belongs to God? Kids have an easy time claiming what’s theirs. One of the first words a child learns is “mine!” We want kids to understand that what they have is actually on loan to us.It’s hard for anyone to refocus how they think about their stuff. This is especia...

For the next five weeks in Liberty Kids we are looking at stewardship; defined for our purposes as 'taking care of what you have because it all belongs to God.'

How can you treat everything like it belongs to God?

Kids have an easy time claiming what’s theirs. One of the first words a child learns is “mine!” We want kids to understand that what they have is actually on loan to us.

It’s hard for anyone to refocus how they think about their stuff. This is especially true for kids. We hope to guide kids through the process of realizing that what they have is a gift on loan to us from God. Because of that, how we take care of what we have matters. We want kids to walk away with a plan for how they will treat what they have like it belongs to God—because it does!

In Psalm 24:1, we read, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it (NIV). In other words, whatever we have isn’t really ours. God created the entire world— the land and sea, planets and galaxies, animals and people. And when people create, those people do so because of the gift and talents that God gave them. It’s our job to take care of what God has loaned us for a time to use in order to bring Him glory.

Jesus put stewardship into action. He used the time He had on earth wisely, never wasting a moment, but always working towards God’s plan.

Our verse for the topic comes from Luke 16:10a:

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."

I pray that you will be able to remember that everything we have is on loan to us. Let's steward to the best of our abilities! Have a great week,

Anita

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/dont-waste-what-youve-gotBaptised by Fire, Engulfed by Flameshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/baptised-by-fire-engulfed-by-flamesFri, 28 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeFire is a great source of warmth to our homes. The fire might be in a ducted gas heater or a slow combustion wood heater. We usually turn down the gas thermostat overnight with just the pilot light still burning, or maybe we shut down the vents on the wood heater so the fire smoulders overnight. ]]>Fire is a great source of warmth to our homes. The fire might be in a ducted gas heater or a slow combustion wood heater. We usually turn down the gas thermostat overnight with just the pilot light still burning, or maybe we shut down the vents on the wood heater so the fire smoulders overnight.

Fire is a great source of warmth to our homes. The fire might be in a ducted gas heater or a slow combustion wood heater. We usually turn down the gas thermostat overnight with just the pilot light still burning, or maybe we shut down the vents on the wood heater so the fire smoulders overnight. But as the cold morning greets us, we soon open the vents on the wood heater and the fire is fanned back into flame, or we turn up the thermostat and the gas burners fire up to blow hot air through the ducts to fill every room of the house.

Similarly, the Holy Spirit is like a fire in the life of the Christian.

When we first put our faith in Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit comes to live within each one of us, we are "baptised by the Holy Spirit."

"For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free —and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." (1 Corinthians 12:13 NIV)

The Holy Spirit then desires to bring His fire to every "room" of our life, so that He fills us completely. Some describe this as being "on fire" for God, we are "filled with the Holy Spirit" as we allow Him to direct every thought, word and action in obedience to God.

When we are "filled with the Holy Spirit" we don't get more of Him, rather, He gets more of us!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/baptised-by-fire-engulfed-by-flamesChoose Wiselyhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-treasured-things1Fri, 21 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThe announcement by Cyril Rioli that he was retiring from AFL football caused me to lament and to celebrate – all at the same time.As a Hawthorn supporter, Cyril has been a wonderful player and to see him walk away from the game while he was still in his prime, was sad to see. He is only 28, and would have quite a few more years of great football left in his career. However, he chose to retire and leave that world behind him.Cyril wanted to return to the Tiwi Islands, just north of Darwin ...]]>The announcement by Cyril Rioli that he was retiring from AFL football caused me to lament and to celebrate – all at the same time.As a Hawthorn supporter, Cyril has been a wonderful player and to see him walk away from the game while he was still in his prime, was sad to see. He is only 28, and would have quite a few more years of great football left in his career. However, he chose to retire and leave that world behind him.Cyril wanted to return to the Tiwi Islands, just north of Darwin ...The announcement by Cyril Rioli that he was retiring from AFL football caused me to lament and to celebrate – all at the same time.

As a Hawthorn supporter, Cyril has been a wonderful player and to see him walk away from the game while he was still in his prime, was sad to see. He is only 28, and would have quite a few more years of great football left in his career. However, he chose to retire and leave that world behind him.

Cyril wanted to return to the Tiwi Islands, just north of Darwin to be with his family. This is where he grew up and he wanted to be there with his family, especially as they were going through a difficult time. Cyril's father had serious health problems, and he felt he needed to be with his family to support and encourage them. For placing family ahead of his career as a footballer, I am delighted with his choice. It displayed great courage and adherence to genuine priorities.

So, how do we choose wisely?

As Christians, we are able to ask God, because He knows the best choice for us in any situation. We can pray to Him and seek inspiration from Him in all matters, whether that be family, relational, business, financial etc. We can also read His Word and discover what He has already said around that topic. You might be amazed at how many of our issues are addressed within the Bible.

A good place to start is what is described as the "Sermon on the Mount". So much wisdom here, and it includes this suggestion in Matthew 6:33 (NIV):

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well".

When you read this in context, Jesus is describing our tendency to worry about the issues of life. His solution - seek Him! Then you will see your way clear to make good decisions.

Choose wisely and be blessed.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-treasured-things1The Treasured Thingshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-treasured-thingsFri, 14 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeParents who have had the pleasure of raising young children will know the joy of receiving artwork or stories to display in the home. The fridge gets decorated with a painting or an illustrated story assumes a position of pride on the coffee table. What's behind the parental pleasure is the relationship with the child, the fact that the child is thinking of their parent and wants to please with their "offering". ]]>Parents who have had the pleasure of raising young children will know the joy of receiving artwork or stories to display in the home. The fridge gets decorated with a painting or an illustrated story assumes a position of pride on the coffee table. What's behind the parental pleasure is the relationship with the child, the fact that the child is thinking of their parent and wants to please with their "offering".

Parents who have had the pleasure of raising young children will know the joy of receiving artwork or stories to display in the home. The fridge gets decorated with a painting or an illustrated story assumes a position of pride on the coffee table. What's behind the parental pleasure is the relationship with the child, the fact that the child is thinking of their parent and wants to please with their "offering". It may not be a "masterpiece" or a "classic" in the art or literary world, but the value of the work is priceless to the parent.

Similarly, the prayers we offer to God might not sound as "pious" or "eloquent" as those of others, but they are precious to our Father in heaven. To know that His children are thinking of Him, depending on Him, and seeking Him means the world to Him. Our prayers do not fall on deaf ears or vanish into thin air, rather they are treasured by God and displayed in a place of pride, at the throne of heaven!

Revelation chapter 5 records the vision that the Apostle John was given of heaven and things to come. John saw Jesus standing at the centre of God's throne surrounded by heavenly beings holding golden bowls full of the prayers of God's people, your prayers, my prayers.

Revelation 5:8b:

"Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people."

The golden bowls and their position at the throne of God serve as a daily reminder to us that our prayers are not in vain, as Satan might suggest, and an encouragement to "continually" offer up all sorts of prayers to our Father in heaven, for we and our prayers are His treasured things.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-treasured-thingsThe Trailblazerhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-trailblazerFri, 07 Sep 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThe word "trailblazer" derives its meaning from the pioneers who would create a new path through the wilderness, through unchartered territory. The trailblazer would leave blazes on trees, directions made by slashing into the bark, to shows others the way to follow. Trailblazers show others that something is possible that hitherto had not been attempted or seemed possible, thus giving encouragement to others who would follow in their footsteps.Jesus Christ has certainly blazed a trail ...]]>The word "trailblazer" derives its meaning from the pioneers who would create a new path through the wilderness, through unchartered territory. The trailblazer would leave blazes on trees, directions made by slashing into the bark, to shows others the way to follow. Trailblazers show others that something is possible that hitherto had not been attempted or seemed possible, thus giving encouragement to others who would follow in their footsteps.Jesus Christ has certainly blazed a trail ...

The word "trailblazer" derives its meaning from the pioneers who would create a new path through the wilderness, through unchartered territory. The trailblazer would leave blazes on trees, directions made by slashing into the bark, to shows others the way to follow. Trailblazers show others that something is possible that hitherto had not been attempted or seemed possible, thus giving encouragement to others who would follow in their footsteps.

Jesus Christ has certainly blazed a trail for us to follow! His resurrection has blazed a trail through the frontier of death that gives us hope and reassurance that we can follow in His footsteps. The dark wilderness of fear and doubt has been cleared and the way to life has been paved and lit.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV)

Keep following in His footsteps.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-trailblazerWhen God's Word is Really Hard to Readhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/when-gods-word-is-really-hard-to-readFri, 31 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI really love reading the Bible but sometimes I come across passages of scripture that I struggle to read and struggle to know what to do with.Recently, I was reading one such passage in Judges 19 and I was once again confronted and quite frankly sickened by what I was reading. You might know the story that I am referring to... it is a well-known story that many people hostile towards Christianity like to highlight in arguing that God is not loving, just and good at all. ]]>I really love reading the Bible but sometimes I come across passages of scripture that I struggle to read and struggle to know what to do with.Recently, I was reading one such passage in Judges 19 and I was once again confronted and quite frankly sickened by what I was reading. You might know the story that I am referring to... it is a well-known story that many people hostile towards Christianity like to highlight in arguing that God is not loving, just and good at all.

I really love reading the Bible but sometimes I come across passages of scripture that I struggle to read and struggle to know what to do with.

Recently, I was reading one such passage in Judges 19 and I was once again confronted and quite frankly sickened by what I was reading. You might know the story that I am referring to... it is a well-known story that many people hostile towards Christianity like to highlight in arguing that God is not loving, just and good at all. I am referring to the story of Simeon the Levite and his concubine (you can read the full story in Judges 19).

Here's the long and the short of the story: a Levite is travelling with his concubine when he stops in a town called Gibeah and plans to spend the night in the town square before he is invited to stay the night at the home of an older man. When in the older man's home, a pack of 'wicked men' come and bang on the door of the older man's house, desiring to have sex with the Levite. The older man tries to reason with the men but they don't listen, and the Levite spares himself by sending out his concubine to the men, who rape the woman, who tragically dies because of the horrific ordeal she endures during the night.

The Levite wakes up the next day, opens the door, discovers the body of his concubine on the doorstep, and then places her body on his donkey before travelling home. When home, he cuts the body of his concubine up into twelve pieces and sends the twelve pieces to each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

I'm sure you are with me when I say that this is one of the most horrific, brutal, and evil stories that I have ever come across!

You might - like me - read something like this and think to yourself... why did God want this story to be included in His divine Word? For that matter... why did God choose to include the majority of the stories that are outlined in the book of Judges? Judges is a book full of evil act after evil act! Why include stories like those found in Judges?

As the Bible Project team suggest in their introductory video to the book of Judges, the entire book of Judges is pointing to and illustrating (in very graphic and bloody ways!) what happens to mankind when they reject God and His ways and choose to live life without God as their King.

This is why God divinely inspired the writers of scripture to include stories such as this in the Bible... they are included not as prescriptive examples for us to follow and do in following God, but descriptive stories that serve to warn us about the dangers associated with living our lives without Jesus as our King.

So, when you come across terrible stories like the one from Judges 19 in God's Word, resist the urge to quickly flip the page in disgust, and instead choose to take a purposeful step back and try to discern the 'big picture' lesson that God is trying to impart to you.

Even the most terrible stories that are found in God's Word can be powerful tools that God can use to shape and refine us as His followers!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/when-gods-word-is-really-hard-to-readLooking Beyond Ourselveshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/looking-beyond-ourselves1Fri, 24 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeOften we can easily get so caught up in what is going on in our own lives that we forget that there are always things going on in the lives of those around us too. This was highlighted to me in recent months... Since having an accident and paralysing my legs approximately four months ago, I could have quite easily forgotten about everyone else around me and thought that I was somehow ‘special’ and that my circumstances were the only ones that mattered. ]]>Often we can easily get so caught up in what is going on in our own lives that we forget that there are always things going on in the lives of those around us too. This was highlighted to me in recent months... Since having an accident and paralysing my legs approximately four months ago, I could have quite easily forgotten about everyone else around me and thought that I was somehow ‘special’ and that my circumstances were the only ones that mattered.

Often we can easily get so caught up in what is going on in our own lives that we forget that there are always things going on in the lives of those around us too. This was highlighted to me in recent months...

Since having an accident and paralysing my legs approximately four months ago, I could have quite easily forgotten about everyone else around me and thought that I was somehow ‘special’ and that my circumstances were the only ones that mattered. However, through various conversations with people, I was reminded that this is not the case... A couple I know have just lost their son to cancer, a business colleague’s house has been destroyed by fire and the list goes on.

God began to speak to me about the importance of looking beyond myself and being sympathetic to people around me too. People are always going to have ‘stuff’ going on in their lives, big and small, and I believe this is an opportunity to really ‘love others’ as we support and encourage each other through these times. Jesus always made time to stop, listen and care for others and I believe He calls us to do this too.

Bless ya,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/looking-beyond-ourselves1Gratitude is a Reflection of the Character of Godhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gratitude-is-a-reflection-of-the-character-of-godFri, 17 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeHave you ever paused to think about everything God has done for you? He created a planet that’s perfectly suited for otters and ostriches and you. Then, He sent His Son, Jesus, to that planet to die and be raised to life so He could have a forever relationship with you. ]]>Have you ever paused to think about everything God has done for you? He created a planet that’s perfectly suited for otters and ostriches and you. Then, He sent His Son, Jesus, to that planet to die and be raised to life so He could have a forever relationship with you. Have you ever paused to think about everything God has done for you? He created a planet that’s perfectly suited for otters and ostriches and you. Then, He sent His Son, Jesus, to that planet to die and be raised to life so He could have a forever relationship with you.

Over the next four weeks in Liberty Kids, we’ll help kids refocus on all that God has done for them. Because when you know what God has done for you, you can be thankful - always.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) says:

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

We hope to give kids and families the opportunity to think about all the ways God has shown them love and faithfulness throughout the year. We want them to get excited and celebrate God’s goodness.

We can change our whole outlook on life if we take the time to refocus and think about all that we’ve been given.

Have a great week,

Anita King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gratitude-is-a-reflection-of-the-character-of-godWhat is Your Role?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-is-your-roleFri, 10 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn following the ReadScripture app, I recently read the first few chapters of the book of Numbers. It details the preparations that were being made before they were to leave Mt Sinai and head to the Promised Land. This was after 12 months camped at the base of the mountain following their flight from Egypt.God gave Moses specific instructions about the order by which they were to camp around the Tabernacle, their order of march and instructions on who was to do what with the Tabernacle tent and ...]]>In following the ReadScripture app, I recently read the first few chapters of the book of Numbers. It details the preparations that were being made before they were to leave Mt Sinai and head to the Promised Land. This was after 12 months camped at the base of the mountain following their flight from Egypt.God gave Moses specific instructions about the order by which they were to camp around the Tabernacle, their order of march and instructions on who was to do what with the Tabernacle tent and ...

In following the ReadScripture app, I recently read the first few chapters of the book of Numbers. It details the preparations that were being made before they were to leave Mt Sinai and head to the Promised Land. This was after 12 months camped at the base of the mountain following their flight from Egypt.

God gave Moses specific instructions about the order by which they were to camp around the Tabernacle, their order of march and instructions on who was to do what with the Tabernacle tent and furnishings. No small task!

The Levites, being the priestly tribe, were tasked with the job of caring for the Tabernacle, its breakdown, transport and set up at the new campsite. All the tents, poles, bases, altar etc, were assigned to various Levite family groups so that each group knew their role. If everyone did their job, the movement from one site to the next went smoothly. If tasks weren't done, problems arose and the overall purpose of coming into the Promised Land was delayed. It was the same whether the task was caring for and carrying the Ark of the Covenant, or caring for and carrying the tent poles. All tasks were important.

I see parallels with our church, obviously on a different scale, but the principles remain the same.

There are a multitude of tasks to be done in our context, that enable us as a church to pursue the vision that God has set before us. When all these tasks are done, the achievement of that vision comes closer to reality. When some may not be done, it can have a delaying effect that ripples into other areas and so compromises the overall vision.

I find it interesting that God assigned the roles to the Israelites. The same applies today. What role is God calling you to? Is that where you are currently serving, or is He calling you into somewhere different?

Just as all tasks were important to the overall purpose of the Israelites, so are all tasks important at our church. Serving on the Welcome Team is just as important as preaching. Playing & singing in the Music Team is similarly as important as those who clean the church.

My challenge to you today is: Where is God calling you to serve in His church Liberty?

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-is-your-roleTake a Chancehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/take-a-chanceFri, 03 Aug 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeRecently I was having a phone conversation with a friend of many years. She was sharing with me some serious health issues she has been experiencing for a long time. As I listened to her I was prompted to ask the question, "How do you feel about.....?" (the person who had damaged her physically and emotionally many years ago.)Her quick response was:"I hate him!"I said to her: "You need to forgive him. ]]>Recently I was having a phone conversation with a friend of many years. She was sharing with me some serious health issues she has been experiencing for a long time. As I listened to her I was prompted to ask the question, "How do you feel about.....?" (the person who had damaged her physically and emotionally many years ago.)Her quick response was:"I hate him!"I said to her: "You need to forgive him.

Recently I was having a phone conversation with a friend of many years. She was sharing with me some serious health issues she has been experiencing for a long time. As I listened to her I was prompted to ask the question, "How do you feel about.....?" (the person who had damaged her physically and emotionally many years ago.)

Her quick response was:

"I hate him!"

I said to her: "You need to forgive him. Your unforgiveness is making you sick. It's as if you're drinking poison and expecting him to become ill."

Many times in the past I would ask her if I could pray for her, but she mostly declined because she would say "You make me cry when you pray for me." On this particular day, I asked if I could pray for her, and I was very surprised when she responded with "Yes please!" So I did, and she was very emotional.

The next day she rang me to say that she felt a great weight lift off her shoulders as I prayed. Emotionally she was feeling good and the bitterness and unforgiveness were gone. I was thrilled - but humbled, and so pleased I had responded to His prompting.

How many times do we hold back and not respond to the opportunities He gives us? I suspect, more times that we would like to admit. I certainly have! What's the worst thing that can happen? They may say no, or they may laugh at you. How do we know if it may be a matter of life or death?

Don't miss the opportunity, don't let this moment in time pass you by.

Take the chance Liberty!

Lorraine Miller

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/take-a-chanceWill You Forget Me Forever?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/will-you-forget-me-foreverFri, 27 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty Office"13 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Psalm 13:1 (ESV)I'm sure, like me, you are pretty familiar with the incredible story of Joseph in the Bible. ]]>"13 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Psalm 13:1 (ESV)I'm sure, like me, you are pretty familiar with the incredible story of Joseph in the Bible.

"13 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Psalm 13:1 (ESV)

I'm sure, like me, you are pretty familiar with the incredible story of Joseph in the Bible. We know the account of his life back to front and no doubt have read through the familiar chapters outlining his life in Genesis many, many times.

And yet, don't you love how God speaks to us and reveals things to us, even in the biblical stories that are most familiar?

This happened to me as I read about Joseph's life as part of the ReadScripture reading plan one morning. The previous day's reading ended with Joseph being forgotten by the Baker and Chief Cupbearer and left to languish in prison, despite requesting that he be remembered by those who were released from jail.

It was the very first line of Genesis 41 that struck me:

"After two whole years..."

Two whole years. That's a long time to be waiting, isn't it? I tried to imagine how Joseph must have felt during that time. Don't get me wrong, he had it about as good as you could have it in prison (he was in charge of all the prisoners after all!), but still... he wasn't free.

There is no doubt that somewhere deep inside as he considered his life and where he was heading, he would have asked: "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?"

We can be encouraged when we read further on in Joseph's story to see that God doesn't forget Joseph forever. And - no matter how long we've been waiting for God's promises to come to pass in our own lives - we can be encouraged to know that God will not forget us forever either.

So wait patiently with confident assurance Liberty. God will bring His plans to pass in your life, according to His good, pleasing and perfect will. It might just take a little longer than we expect!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/will-you-forget-me-foreverForgiveness is a Reflection of the Character of Godhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/forgiveness-is-a-reflection-of-the-character-of-godFri, 20 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThroughout Scripture, we are reminded of God’s grace and forgiveness: God makes us white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) God’s mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) God is faithful and just to forgive our sins. ]]>Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of God’s grace and forgiveness: God makes us white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18) God’s mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) God is faithful and just to forgive our sins.

Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of God’s grace and forgiveness:

God makes us white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18)

God’s mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

God is faithful and just to forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)

When our relationship with God was broken beyond repair, God offered His only Son as the way to forgive us and restore the broken relationship.

Since we are created in God’s image, we have the ability to offer forgiveness when people in our lives hurt us. God’s love in us makes it possible for us to forgive others and work towards fixing our own relationships that break down from time to time.

Jesus made it possible for us to have God’s forgiveness.

God showed us just how much He cares about forgiveness when He made the ultimate sacrifice and sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin. While sin separates us from God, He offers grace and forgiveness as a gift for us to receive. We have been forgiven of so much, it’s only right that we turn to those in our lives and offer forgiveness to them in return.

We will spend the next few weeks in Liberty Kids taking a closer look at the way forgiveness shows up throughout a few of the parables Jesus told His followers.

Our Memory Verse for the topic comes from Colossians 3:13 (NIrV):

“Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.”

This verse, from Paul’s letter to the church at Colossi, reminds us not only that God forgave our sins, but also that we should forgive others instead of holding grudges against one another. We pray that throughout this month, families will let go of what they’re holding against each other and others and choose to forgive. We think that this could be a powerful month in the lives of kids and families in our church. We would love you to join us in this journey and discover how God’s forgiveness changes our lives!

Enjoy your week,

Anita King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/forgiveness-is-a-reflection-of-the-character-of-godIn The Flesh!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/in-the-fleshFri, 13 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI wonder if you've ever had a hero? Someone you put up on a pedestal? Perhaps it was someone famous? ]]>I wonder if you've ever had a hero? Someone you put up on a pedestal? Perhaps it was someone famous? I wonder if you've ever had a hero? Someone you put up on a pedestal? Perhaps it was someone famous? Maybe a singer or a band, maybe an actor, maybe a sportsperson, maybe royalty or even a politician (yes, it could happen!)?

Over time we might have seen them from a distance, on tv, on stage, in parliament, or on the sporting arena. We get some idea of what they are like as a person. But questions still linger as to whether their stage or tv persona is the real deal. Is that what they are really like in the nitty gritty of day to day life? It's only when we meet them face to face, in the flesh, and rub shoulders with them in daily life that we get the truest sense of our hero's identity. Sometimes they don't measure up in real life, but what a joy to discover, when our hero, in the flesh, is every bit, and even more, than the lofty character we imagined them to be!

Most people on the face of the earth believe in a "god" of some kind, whatever they perceive "him or her" to be.

Christians, however, believe in the God who has revealed Himself through creation and the bible. Even more than that, they believe that God has authenticated Himself as the "real deal" in the person of Jesus Christ in daily life, in the flesh!

John 1:1-5,14,18 (NIV) says:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."

What a joy to know that the God revealed in creation and the Bible, in the flesh, is in every way the "real deal"!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/in-the-fleshThat is Magnificent!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/that-is-magnificentFri, 06 Jul 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeWhat do you come across in life that makes you stop and say: "That is magnificent!?"Perhaps it is a Gary Ablett goal from outside 50 on the run. Perhaps for you, it is a rich, dark, single origin long Machiatto from a trendy inner-city cafe. Or perhaps for you, it is a beautiful, picture-perfect postcard scene from God's stunning creation.Whilst I definitely appreciate all three, there is nothing that causes me to stop and say "That is magnificent!" more than a stunning n...]]>What do you come across in life that makes you stop and say: "That is magnificent!?"Perhaps it is a Gary Ablett goal from outside 50 on the run. Perhaps for you, it is a rich, dark, single origin long Machiatto from a trendy inner-city cafe. Or perhaps for you, it is a beautiful, picture-perfect postcard scene from God's stunning creation.Whilst I definitely appreciate all three, there is nothing that causes me to stop and say "That is magnificent!" more than a stunning n...

What do you come across in life that makes you stop and say: "That is magnificent!?"

Perhaps it is a Gary Ablett goal from outside 50 on the run. Perhaps for you, it is a rich, dark, single origin long Machiatto from a trendy inner-city cafe. Or perhaps for you, it is a beautiful, picture-perfect postcard scene from God's stunning creation.

Whilst I definitely appreciate all three, there is nothing that causes me to stop and say "That is magnificent!" more than a stunning nature scene.

Recently, my family and I were fortunate enough to take some time away to spend with friends and family in Queensland. We spent the first week hanging out with life-long friends, before spending the second week in sunny Caloundra. On my morning walk along the boardwalk in the beautiful sun, I was fortunate enough to snap this picture below.

As I gazed out at the beauty of God's creation, I couldn't help but be reminded of what the Psalmist says in Psalm 19:1 (NIV):

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

God puts on a show for us to enjoy and savour each and every day. Why not do yourself a favour *|FNAME|* and take some time out to enjoy the wonderful creation He has made? I'm sure you will be joining me in saying "that is magnificent!" if you do!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/that-is-magnificentSigned, Sealed, Delivered!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/signed-sealed-deliveredFri, 29 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeSeals are used primarily to authenticate documents, specifically those which carry some legal import. There are two main ways in which a seal may be attached to a document. It may be applied directly to the face of the paper (an applied seal); or it may hang loose from it (a pendent seal). ]]>Seals are used primarily to authenticate documents, specifically those which carry some legal import. There are two main ways in which a seal may be attached to a document. It may be applied directly to the face of the paper (an applied seal); or it may hang loose from it (a pendent seal).

Seals are used primarily to authenticate documents, specifically those which carry some legal import. There are two main ways in which a seal may be attached to a document. It may be applied directly to the face of the paper (an applied seal); or it may hang loose from it (a pendent seal). The object in all cases is to help ensure authenticity by maintaining the integrity of the relationship between document and seal, and to prevent the seal's reuse.

In the Middle Ages, the majority of seals were pendent. They were attached both to legal documents and to letters patent (i.e. open letters) conferring rights or privileges, which were intended to be available for all to view.

As Christians, we are also marked with a seal serving a similar purpose. We are sealed with The Holy Spirit who authenticates and is proof of our reconciled relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is God's "mark" on each one of us, signifying that we belong to Him and have rights and privileges as His children, including an inheritance in the world to come. God intends that the fruit of The Holy Spirit's "seal" on our lives will also be available for all to view.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV):

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

May we be encouraged by The Holy Spirit seal on each one of us!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/signed-sealed-deliveredHow Are Your Bilge Pumps Working?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/how-are-your-bilge-pumps-workingFri, 22 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeOn the 8th April, I spoke about how we, as Christians, are called to live Counter-Culturally.The question to be considered was: Are we influencing the world around us? Or, are we influenced by the world around us?To illustrate this concept, I read an excerpt from Charles Swindoll's book: The Church Awakening. In it, he relates the story of J Wilbur Chapman, an evangelist and pastor of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. ]]>On the 8th April, I spoke about how we, as Christians, are called to live Counter-Culturally.The question to be considered was: Are we influencing the world around us? Or, are we influenced by the world around us?To illustrate this concept, I read an excerpt from Charles Swindoll's book: The Church Awakening. In it, he relates the story of J Wilbur Chapman, an evangelist and pastor of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

On the 8th April, I spoke about how we, as Christians, are called to live Counter-Culturally.

The question to be considered was: Are we influencing the world around us? Or, are we influenced by the world around us?

To illustrate this concept, I read an excerpt from Charles Swindoll's book: The Church Awakening. In it, he relates the story of J Wilbur Chapman, an evangelist and pastor of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Pastor Chapman observed:

"It is not the ship in the water but the water in the ship that sinks it. So it's not the Christian in the world, but the world in the Christian that constitutes the danger."

What a wonderful insight by Pastor Chapman.

We live in this world, yet as the Bible states, we do not belong to this world. We belong to the Kingdom of God. As believers in Jesus, our home is in heaven, but our temporary residence is here on planet earth. How much of our world has seeped into our lives at the expense of the Kingdom of God? What steps do we take to keep our "bilges" as dry as possible?

Pumping out the influence of the world doesn't happen by default. It takes deliberate action on our part to identify where our thinking and/or actions are more aligned to the ways of the world than God's ways. And then take steps to realign to God's way.

So, prime your pumps! Get them working!

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/how-are-your-bilge-pumps-workingRejoicing Alwayshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/rejoicing-alwaysFri, 15 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty Office"16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18In light of my recent circumstances (falling while rock climbing and breaking my back in three places) this could really be a challenging passage for me. However, by the grace of God, this is exactly what I have been doing! I continue to rejoice in the fact that God is God regardless of circumstances and He is always with me and w...]]>"16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18In light of my recent circumstances (falling while rock climbing and breaking my back in three places) this could really be a challenging passage for me. However, by the grace of God, this is exactly what I have been doing! I continue to rejoice in the fact that God is God regardless of circumstances and He is always with me and w...

"16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In light of my recent circumstances (falling while rock climbing and breaking my back in three places) this could really be a challenging passage for me. However, by the grace of God, this is exactly what I have been doing!

I continue to rejoice in the fact that God is God regardless of circumstances and He is always with me and will never leave me.

I continue to pray (talk) to God about how I’m feeling and the challenges I’m facing each day through my recovery, and I continue to pray for everyone else who is in here with me, many of whom are seemingly worse off than me.

I also continue to give thanks to God for everything He has done for me thus far and will continue to do for me, regardless of exactly what my ultimate outcome is.

How do you respond to this passage?

Hope to see you soon.

Bless ya,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/rejoicing-alwaysLive it Wellhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/live-it-wellFri, 08 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI have loved the band Switchfoot ever since I was introduced to them by a member of the church youth group many years ago. Their songs have guided me through the many ups and downs that I have faced in life, and the words of their songs have brought hope, correction, joy, and encouragement to me as I've navigated the many challenging and joy-filled seasons of life.I was listening to one of their latest songs the other day and felt God encourage me to share the lyrics with you (if you have a bit ...]]>I have loved the band Switchfoot ever since I was introduced to them by a member of the church youth group many years ago. Their songs have guided me through the many ups and downs that I have faced in life, and the words of their songs have brought hope, correction, joy, and encouragement to me as I've navigated the many challenging and joy-filled seasons of life.I was listening to one of their latest songs the other day and felt God encourage me to share the lyrics with you (if you have a bit ...

I have loved the band Switchfoot ever since I was introduced to them by a member of the church youth group many years ago. Their songs have guided me through the many ups and downs that I have faced in life, and the words of their songs have brought hope, correction, joy, and encouragement to me as I've navigated the many challenging and joy-filled seasons of life.

I was listening to one of their latest songs the other day and felt God encourage me to share the lyrics with you (if you have a bit more time, watch the video clip for the song). The song is called Live it Well and the chorus goes like this:

"Life is short; I wanna live it well.One life, one story to tell.Life is short; I wanna live it well.And you're the one I'm living for.Awaken all my soul,Every breath that you take is a miracle.Life is short; I wanna live it well.And you're the one I'm living for."How true are these words *|FNAME|*?

This life that we are living is so short. We don't know when our time is going to be up. We don't know the day or hour when we will breathe our last breath. We only have so many days here on earth. Time is short... let's continue to devote ourselves to living life well as we live our lives to worship and glorify our almighty God for however many days we have to live!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/live-it-wellKeturahhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/keturahFri, 01 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeKeturah is a name that doesn't immediately spring to mind when we think of women in the Bible. Understandably when you consider her name is only mentioned 4 times: Genesis 25:1, 25:4 & 1 Chronicles 1:32, 1:33.When I was reading 1 Chronicles recently, rather than skipping through the seemingly endless chronologies, I decided to go a little slower to see what I could learn. I came to 1 Chronicles 1:32:32 The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, I...]]>Keturah is a name that doesn't immediately spring to mind when we think of women in the Bible. Understandably when you consider her name is only mentioned 4 times: Genesis 25:1, 25:4 & 1 Chronicles 1:32, 1:33.When I was reading 1 Chronicles recently, rather than skipping through the seemingly endless chronologies, I decided to go a little slower to see what I could learn. I came to 1 Chronicles 1:32:32 The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, I...

Keturah is a name that doesn't immediately spring to mind when we think of women in the Bible. Understandably when you consider her name is only mentioned 4 times: Genesis 25:1, 25:4 & 1 Chronicles 1:32, 1:33.

When I was reading 1 Chronicles recently, rather than skipping through the seemingly endless chronologies, I decided to go a little slower to see what I could learn. I came to 1 Chronicles 1:32:

32 The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.

Hang on - what's that? Abraham's concubine, Keturah? It is amazing that no matter how often we read the Bible, we can still find something new! If I were to ask you the question: How many children did Abraham have? I am confident the overwhelming answer would be 2: Ishmael and Isaac. Yet the Bible records that Abraham had at least 6 other sons, through his concubine Keturah.

I say "at least", because reading this in 1 Chronicles 1:32, prompted me to go back to the account in Genesis of Abraham's life and his offspring. Concordance in hand, I found Keturah mentioned in Genesis 25:1. Sure enough, it lists the same sons born to Abraham by Keturah. Reading on, I then see this in Genesis 25:5-6:

5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. 6 But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.

Do you see in verse 6: "concubines". Plural! Remember Ishmael was born to Abraham (through Hagar) when he was approximately 85 and Isaac was born to him (through Sarah) when he was 100 years old (Genesis 21:5). Sarah then died when she was 127 (Genesis 23:1). Given that Abraham lived until he was 175 (Genesis 25:7) which was a long time after Sarah's death, it is reasonable to suppose that Abraham took another wife. Only Keturah is mentioned, although, from Genesis 25:6, we can conclude he had other wives as well, although they are not recorded.

What relevance does all this have for me? The Bible is a treasure trove that invites us to dig deeper every time we read it. What I have described here is but a small example of the joy of reading the Bible, that throws up surprising and sometimes very challenging details and insights that we may have missed on previous readings.

I want to encourage you to make the reading of the Bible a part of your daily routine. Whatever form that takes, whether it be from a daily devotion (eg Daily Bread), or from a systematic reading cover to cover, it doesn't matter. Ask God to reveal something new to you every time you open it up. You might just be surprised by what you discover.

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-greatest-event-in-historyPsalm 150http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/psalm-150Fri, 18 May 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty Office1 Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lor...]]>1 Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lor...

1 Praise the Lord.Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,4 praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe,5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

What an incredible Psalm! God is worthy of praise in all circumstances, Amen?

The reality is that God never changes, He is unwavering in His love for us and He always has a plan and purpose for our lives. So, even though it may not always be easy or come naturally, God is God and that means he is ALWAYS deserving of our PRAISE!

How will you praise the Lord today?

God bless,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/psalm-150Why Go To Church?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/why-go-to-churchFri, 11 May 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty Office A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.He wrote: "I've gone for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time, the preachers and priests are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column.Muc...]]> A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.He wrote: "I've gone for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time, the preachers and priests are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column.Muc...

A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.

He wrote: "I've gone for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons, but for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time, the preachers and priests are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column.

Much to the delight of the editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.

But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.

Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"

Hebrews 10:23-25:

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

May we continue to spur on and encourage one another at Liberty as we journey together as a faith community until the Day of Jesus Christ arrives.

Come Lord Jesus!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/why-go-to-churchYou Are Worthyhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/you-are-worthyFri, 04 May 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI shared this poem by M.S. Lowndes at our Sunday Service on the 25th of March this year, as we came together around the Lord's Table. The poem was so well received by those who were present that I thought it was worth sharing again as one of our Liberty Reflections.I pray that the words speak as powerfully to your heart as they did mine!You Are Worthy Don't see yourself as insignificant,Not worthy to come before God,Fearing the stains are too deep to cleanFrom the sins you're guilty ofAnd d...]]>I shared this poem by M.S. Lowndes at our Sunday Service on the 25th of March this year, as we came together around the Lord's Table. The poem was so well received by those who were present that I thought it was worth sharing again as one of our Liberty Reflections.I pray that the words speak as powerfully to your heart as they did mine!You Are Worthy Don't see yourself as insignificant,Not worthy to come before God,Fearing the stains are too deep to cleanFrom the sins you're guilty ofAnd d...I shared this poem by M.S. Lowndes at our Sunday Service on the 25th of March this year, as we came together around the Lord's Table. The poem was so well received by those who were present that I thought it was worth sharing again as one of our Liberty Reflections.

I pray that the words speak as powerfully to your heart as they did mine!

You Are Worthy

Don't see yourself as insignificant,Not worthy to come before God,Fearing the stains are too deep to cleanFrom the sins you're guilty ofAnd don't feel as though you're not worthyTo dine at His table of grace,Nor even to gather the scraps that fall,Nor look into His loving face

But see yourself clothed in garmentsFit only to clothe a king,Eating as His honoured guestAnd wearing His signet ringFor that is how God sees you,A worthy child indeedA royal priesthood,bearing His nameThe moment you came to believe

For surely as Christ's blood has washed you,You shall be whiter than snow,So don't see yourself as someone unworthy,A tiny speck nobody knowsFor that only belittles the valueOf Jesus Christ's spilled blood,For it's through His blood he's cleansed youAnd showed you how much He loved

He says, 'My child you are precious,More than you can comprehend,For nothing you've done could lessen my love,For I'd always call you my friendMy heart just longs for you to comeAnd bask in my embrace,My child, I will always love youAnd pour out my mercy and grace

So don't feel afraid to draw near,Nor feel you have no worth,My son's blood has purchased youAnd has given you new birthSo come, enjoy my presenceAnd let me hear you singThe new song I have given you,For to me, you are everything’.

Know today that you are worthy in His sight Liberty!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/you-are-worthyMore Than a Year’s Wageshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/more-than-a-years-wages1Fri, 27 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn Mark 14:3-9, we read how a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume and this causes a huge fuss among those who were present. It’s possible the alabaster jar of perfume represented every cent of this woman’s life savings. The value is evidenced by the fact that two gospel writers find it noteworthy enough to give us a written estimate: three hundred denarii—the equivalent of an entire year’s salary! ]]>In Mark 14:3-9, we read how a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume and this causes a huge fuss among those who were present. It’s possible the alabaster jar of perfume represented every cent of this woman’s life savings. The value is evidenced by the fact that two gospel writers find it noteworthy enough to give us a written estimate: three hundred denarii—the equivalent of an entire year’s salary!

In Mark 14:3-9, we read how a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume and this causes a huge fuss among those who were present.

It’s possible the alabaster jar of perfume represented every cent of this woman’s life savings. The value is evidenced by the fact that two gospel writers find it noteworthy enough to give us a written estimate: three hundred denarii—the equivalent of an entire year’s salary!

Let’s get down to the bottom line. For most of us, the alabaster jar of perfume is money. It’s our nest egg. It’s our pay cheque. It’s our retirement fund. And the question is this: are you willing to give it all away?

I'm not suggesting you should not pay your bills or plan for your future or take care of your family. But if God prompted you to give it all away, would you be willing to break your alabaster jar and pour it all at the feet of Jesus?

During his lifetime, John Wesley gave away approximately thirty thousand pounds. Adjusted for inflation, that’s more than $2,270,000 in today’s money. Wesley made a covenant with God in 1731 to limit his income to twenty-eight pounds a year. But the first year he made only thirty pounds, so he gave just two pounds. The next year his income doubled, and because he managed to continue living on twenty-eight pounds, he gave away thirty-two pounds. He never had more than one hundred pounds in his possession because he was afraid of storing up earthly treasure. He believed God’s blessing should result in raising our standard of giving, not our standard of living. Even when his income rose to thousands of pounds, he lived simply and gave away all surplus money. He died with a few coins in his pocket, but a storehouse of treasure in Heaven.

Think about it!

God Bless,

Steve King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/more-than-a-years-wages1Creativity is a Reflection of the Character of Godhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/creativity-is-a-reflection-of-the-character-of-godFri, 20 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeFrom the opening pages of Scripture, we encounter God’s creativity in action. With the words, Let there be light, the poem of creation unfolds as light gives way to time, oceans and mountains form, galaxies are set in motion, and the earth is filled with birds, fish, and every creature imaginable. But God is not finished creating. ]]>From the opening pages of Scripture, we encounter God’s creativity in action. With the words, Let there be light, the poem of creation unfolds as light gives way to time, oceans and mountains form, galaxies are set in motion, and the earth is filled with birds, fish, and every creature imaginable. But God is not finished creating.

From the opening pages of Scripture, we encounter God’s creativity in action. With the words, Let there be light, the poem of creation unfolds as light gives way to time, oceans and mountains form, galaxies are set in motion, and the earth is filled with birds, fish, and every creature imaginable. But God is not finished creating. God decided that He wanted His image to populate the earth. He created people in His image to take care and develop His magnificent creation. Humans are unique in that we reflect God in how we interact with each other and the world around us. That interaction includes God’s creativity. We may not form mountains and oceans, but we create art and music, build cities, solve problems, and innovate technology—all of which starts with our God-given creativity.

Jesus showed us creativity in action.

Jesus was the Word that spoke God’s creation into existence at the beginning of time. And when Jesus arrived on planet earth to fulfill God’s plan to rescue humanity, that same creativity was evident in every interaction we read throughout Scripture. Through stories, Jesus could explain something difficult or confusing about the Kingdom of God. With unconventional materials, Jesus healed the sick and hurting. With the right question, He could point His disciples and the religious leaders to what is most important to God. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus showed us the difference we can make in the world through creativity.

In Psalm 139:14 (NirV) we read:

“How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that.”

Through this Psalm, David acknowledges God’s continued provision for his life. He worships God for His care and concern for even the smallest aspects of life. Being created in God’s image means that we are special compared to the rest of creation. We reflect God in amazing and wonderful ways.

What a creative God we serve!

Have a great day,

Anita King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/creativity-is-a-reflection-of-the-character-of-godGod's Got Your Back!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gods-got-your-backFri, 13 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty Office]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gods-got-your-backHear & Obeyhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/hear-obeyFri, 06 Apr 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI was recently reading Matthew chapter 17. In it, Matthew recounts the event we know today as the Transfiguration. Jesus is revealed in His glorious form, in front of His closest disciples: Peter, James and John.The Father speaks to those there in an audible voice saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." These are the same words the Father declared when Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:17). ]]>I was recently reading Matthew chapter 17. In it, Matthew recounts the event we know today as the Transfiguration. Jesus is revealed in His glorious form, in front of His closest disciples: Peter, James and John.The Father speaks to those there in an audible voice saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." These are the same words the Father declared when Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:17).

I was recently reading Matthew chapter 17. In it, Matthew recounts the event we know today as the Transfiguration. Jesus is revealed in His glorious form, in front of His closest disciples: Peter, James and John.

The Father speaks to those there in an audible voice saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." These are the same words the Father declared when Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:17). However, this time, the Father adds this statement: "Listen to him!" And yes, most translations include the exclamation mark!

What do we learn from this? It's a bit hard to literally "listen" to Jesus, yet we can read His words as recorded in the Bible. Is it enough to read those words? I think not! Just as with our children when we tell them something; we want them to hear what we say, but then also obey what we say. The same applies here with the Father's exhortation for us to "listen" to Jesus. He doesn't just want us to read what Jesus said, but also to do what He says.

Hear and Obey!

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/hear-obeyWhy Good Friday Is Really Goodhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/why-good-friday-is-really-goodFri, 30 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeHow is Good Friday "good"? After all, Good Friday is the day each year that we commemorate, remember and reflect on the immense suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross; along with countless other Christians all around the world.How can such a dark and bleak day possibly be "good"? Surely the day when the Saviour of the World died should be referred to as the "worst" Friday? ]]>How is Good Friday "good"? After all, Good Friday is the day each year that we commemorate, remember and reflect on the immense suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross; along with countless other Christians all around the world.How can such a dark and bleak day possibly be "good"? Surely the day when the Saviour of the World died should be referred to as the "worst" Friday?

How is Good Friday "good"? After all, Good Friday is the day each year that we commemorate, remember and reflect on the immense suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross; along with countless other Christians all around the world.

How can such a dark and bleak day possibly be "good"? Surely the day when the Saviour of the World died should be referred to as the "worst" Friday? Why is Good Friday "good"?

"...even while powerful men were conspiring to kill the Son of God, God himself was acting to save the world from itself, once and for all. Even while the world’s authorities were conspiring to perpetrate history’s greatest evil, God was working to bring about history’s greatest good."

Good Friday is good and always will be because it marks the moment in history when the tide changed. When the tables were turned. When God's great rescue plan neared its dramatic climax in Jesus Christ.

Paul's words sum up beautifully why Good Friday is "good" when he said this in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV):

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Good Friday is "good" because God made him who had no sin (Jesus) to be sin (to take on all of mankind's sin), so that we might become the righteousness of God (be made right with God).

That is really "good" news friends!

So today on Good Friday, I encourage you to take some time to sit and reflect on the immense suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross, recognising that he who had no sin became sin, in order to cleanse YOU of unrighteousness and restore relationship for YOU with God the Father through His sacrifice on the cross.

All praise and honour and glory be to God!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/why-good-friday-is-really-goodFinancial Wisdomhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/financial-wisdom1Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThe house of my childhood stood in the pastures of Bulleen back in the 70's. Cows were our neighbours and the lush green of nature was our backdrop. My parents created a native garden crowned beautifully by a Vitus grapevine on our verandah to add splashes of colour. ]]>The house of my childhood stood in the pastures of Bulleen back in the 70's. Cows were our neighbours and the lush green of nature was our backdrop. My parents created a native garden crowned beautifully by a Vitus grapevine on our verandah to add splashes of colour.

The house of my childhood stood in the pastures of Bulleen back in the 70's. Cows were our neighbours and the lush green of nature was our backdrop.

My parents created a native garden crowned beautifully by a Vitus grapevine on our verandah to add splashes of colour. Vivid green leaves in summer turned into flaming hues of orange and red at autumn, colours that represented the vitality of life.

How things change over the years!

Bulleen has morphed into a suburb where people have replaced the cows as neighbours, and houses have largely replaced the backdrop of nature.

Yet a reminder of those special years remains with me as Jenny and I have made our own home. Six cuttings of my parent's Vitus vine now grace the pergola of our home in Chum Creek. Veracious growth necessitates that each winter I prune back the tangled excess branches, taking special care not to cut the branches required to cover and glorify our north-east outlook. The wrong cut would be disastrous, disconnecting the required branch from the vine and its roots, snuffing out the life of the branch and its glorious colours forever.

Similarly, Jesus reminds us that the vitality of our lives is dependent on staying connected to Him; get cut off from Jesus and the good fruit in our life stops growing and the abundant life dies.

John 15:5-6 (NIV) says:

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."

How do we stay connected to Jesus? How do we remain in Jesus?

Simply by continuing to trust and rely on His sacrificial death to restore and maintain our right standing before God.

May that continue to be the foundation and root that gives you abundant life in Jesus both now and forever.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/financial-wisdom1Financial Wisdomhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/financial-wisdomFri, 16 Mar 2018 12:00:00 GMTLiberty Office'The wise have wealth... but fools spend whatever they get.' Proverbs 21:20 NLTIt’s foolish to buy things you don’t need and can’t afford, especially when your bills are overdue and you’ve nothing set aside for the future. As a financial adviser, unfortunately, I see this occurring all too often. ]]>'The wise have wealth... but fools spend whatever they get.' Proverbs 21:20 NLTIt’s foolish to buy things you don’t need and can’t afford, especially when your bills are overdue and you’ve nothing set aside for the future. As a financial adviser, unfortunately, I see this occurring all too often. 'The wise have wealth... but fools spend whatever they get.' Proverbs 21:20 NLT

It’s foolish to buy things you don’t need and can’t afford, especially when your bills are overdue and you’ve nothing set aside for the future. As a financial adviser, unfortunately, I see this occurring all too often. The reality is that your financial security is not determined by what you earn, rather it ends up being determined by what you owe! Having to work for years to repay debt severely limits your options. So, determine your lifestyle by your actual income, not by what you wish it was or hope it will be. And when you get a raise, don’t automatically spend more.

The Bible says, ‘There is precious treasure… in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.’ (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV) One of the wisest things you can do today is to start saving for the future and sowing a portion of your income into God’s Kingdom (see 2 Corinthians 9:6).

Unfortunately, the fact remains… Christians have racked up debt with no plan for financial accountability… they’re tapped out keeping up with interest payments.’

Is your philosophy in life, ‘Why wait and save, when a credit card or extending my loan will let me have what I want right now?’

Before you purchase anything else, ask yourself if you really need it. And even if you think you do, ask yourself if you can live without it for a while; otherwise, you’ll become a slave to credit card debt. Here’s some sound financial advice: pray for God’s guidance before you make any non-essential purchase.

God Bless,

Steve

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/financial-wisdomFragrancehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/fragranceFri, 09 Mar 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn a little street in the German city of Cologne, there stands a shop ever since 1709. The shop's name is Farina, the site of the original Eau de Cologne. This shop is world famous for its fragrances, and women all over the world are pleased to buy or receive a gift of Eau de Cologne.What makes their fragrances so beautiful is the sweet smelling aroma that arouses the senses, powerful yet not overpowering. ]]>In a little street in the German city of Cologne, there stands a shop ever since 1709. The shop's name is Farina, the site of the original Eau de Cologne. This shop is world famous for its fragrances, and women all over the world are pleased to buy or receive a gift of Eau de Cologne.What makes their fragrances so beautiful is the sweet smelling aroma that arouses the senses, powerful yet not overpowering.

In a little street in the German city of Cologne, there stands a shop ever since 1709. The shop's name is Farina, the site of the original Eau de Cologne. This shop is world famous for its fragrances, and women all over the world are pleased to buy or receive a gift of Eau de Cologne.

What makes their fragrances so beautiful is the sweet smelling aroma that arouses the senses, powerful yet not overpowering. People notice something pleasant when a lady wearing Eau de Cologne enters a room.

What do people notice when we enter a room?

Christians also carry an aroma wherever we go. Sometimes we might forget to put on the fragrance or sometimes we put on so much that it can become overbearing, but if we wear it well then the aroma of Christ with us can become something attractive and pleasing to others.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NIV) says:

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?"

What sort of aroma are we carrying each day?

Are we equal to the task set before us?

With God's help, the answer is a resounding YES!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/fragranceHumility is a Response to the Character of Godhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/humility-is-a-response-to-the-character-of-godFri, 02 Mar 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThe current topic in Liberty Kids looks at the characteristic of humility. As we begin each new topic, I will send a reflection using content from the Orange curriculum which we use and love in Liberty Kids. I pray you are able to get as much out of each topic as we certainly do!God has no beginning and no end. ]]>The current topic in Liberty Kids looks at the characteristic of humility. As we begin each new topic, I will send a reflection using content from the Orange curriculum which we use and love in Liberty Kids. I pray you are able to get as much out of each topic as we certainly do!God has no beginning and no end.

The current topic in Liberty Kids looks at the characteristic of humility. As we begin each new topic, I will send a reflection using content from the Orange curriculum which we use and love in Liberty Kids. I pray you are able to get as much out of each topic as we certainly do!

God has no beginning and no end. God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. He deserves all of our worship and praise for what He has done and continues to do in our life.

On the other hand, we are humans, created by God. And while we are the crowns of God’s creation, we are nothing without our Creator God.

Yet so often, we act like we are God. We allow our pride to take over and forget that any of our strengths or accomplishments would not exist without God. The only proper response in light of God’s greatness is to respond with humility in our interactions with the people around us.

Jesus is the ultimate example of humility.

Jesus is the Son of God. And in the beginning, Jesus was part of creating the heavens and the earth. And as the Son of God, there is nothing in Heaven or on earth that isn’t under Jesus’ command. Yet Jesus chose to become one of us. He was born as a baby and walked among us. He developed calloused hands as He worked in a carpenter’s shop. The dirt of the road caked His feet as He travelled to show love to others. Jesus willingly left the majesty and glory of Heaven to laugh and cry as He fully became a human.

Jesus’ ultimate act of humility on Earth was His sacrificial death. He could have called down an angel army to protect Him, but instead, allowed Himself to be wrongly accused and arrested. He could have been worshipped with a gold crown and royal robes, but instead wore a crown of thorns. Jesus deserved praise and adoration but sacrificed Himself for us.

We live in a world that’s all about putting ourselves first. Jesus lived in a world like that too. He could have looked out for Himself, called 10,000 angels to come and rescue Him. But He didn’t. Out of His love for us, He chose the humble route and put us first. It cost Him everything.

Philippians 2:3 says:

"Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves." (NIV)

Putting others first will cost you something: your time or money. Maybe it will cost you some pride. But when we choose to follow Jesus with our lives, believing that His death and resurrection made it possible for us to be right with God, the least we can do is put others first even if it’s a bit uncomfortable and cost us something.

Have a great day,

Anita King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/humility-is-a-response-to-the-character-of-godGod's Words on Paperhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gods-words-on-paperFri, 23 Feb 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeWho knows that the Bible is God's words on paper, translated for us?Who knows that there is great power in the word of God?We are so blessed to have the written word of God so accessible to us each and every day! I know I for one, don't make the most of that. The time I dedicate to reading the Bible really isn't enough when you start to consider how many amazing pearls of wisdom, inspirational stories of faith and promises from God are found within its pages.Hebrews 4:12 tells ...]]>Who knows that the Bible is God's words on paper, translated for us?Who knows that there is great power in the word of God?We are so blessed to have the written word of God so accessible to us each and every day! I know I for one, don't make the most of that. The time I dedicate to reading the Bible really isn't enough when you start to consider how many amazing pearls of wisdom, inspirational stories of faith and promises from God are found within its pages.Hebrews 4:12 tells ...

Who knows that the Bible is God's words on paper, translated for us?

Who knows that there is great power in the word of God?

We are so blessed to have the written word of God so accessible to us each and every day!

I know I for one, don't make the most of that. The time I dedicate to reading the Bible really isn't enough when you start to consider how many amazing pearls of wisdom, inspirational stories of faith and promises from God are found within its pages.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "...the word of God is living and active." I love that about the Bible. It doesn't matter how many times you read it, God can 'illuminate' His words on the page in order to speak directly to you and into any situation that you might be going through.

I encourage you to open your Bible today and discover it afresh. You don't have to read the whole thing at once, just start with a small passage or single verse. Ask God to 'illuminate' the words He wants to say to you today!

God Bless,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gods-words-on-paperValentine's Dayhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/valentines-dayFri, 16 Feb 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeA few days ago many of us no doubt celebrated Valentine's Day. Some of us gave a card or a gift to our spouse or a 'special friend' who we are hoping might one day become our spouse. Some of us bought our husband or wife a beautiful bunch of flowers to show them how much we love and appreciate them.Valentine's Day, whilst being very commercialised now, is a time when we are reminded to do something that practically shows our loved ones that we cherish them. ]]>A few days ago many of us no doubt celebrated Valentine's Day. Some of us gave a card or a gift to our spouse or a 'special friend' who we are hoping might one day become our spouse. Some of us bought our husband or wife a beautiful bunch of flowers to show them how much we love and appreciate them.Valentine's Day, whilst being very commercialised now, is a time when we are reminded to do something that practically shows our loved ones that we cherish them.

A few days ago many of us no doubt celebrated Valentine's Day. Some of us gave a card or a gift to our spouse or a 'special friend' who we are hoping might one day become our spouse. Some of us bought our husband or wife a beautiful bunch of flowers to show them how much we love and appreciate them.

Valentine's Day, whilst being very commercialised now, is a time when we are reminded to do something that practically shows our loved ones that we cherish them. It's a nice thing to do, isn't it? We show our love to our spouse by giving gifts and (hopefully!) they show their love to us by giving us gifts and showing their love in return.

This is great and God loves it when we cherish and show our loved ones that we love them, but the kind of 'love' that is celebrated in Valentines Day traditions is considerably different to that which we are called to offer to others as followers of Christ.

Luke 6:32 (NIV) says:

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!”

We are called by God to love ALL people, not just those who love us in return. It is great to celebrate the love you share with your spouse or 'special friend'... it is a good thing to (more regularly than one day each year I hope, for the sake of your relationship!) express love to those who are most special to us. That is good and God is pleased when we love our loved ones like this.

But what about the people in your life who are difficult to love? What about loving the people in your life who don't love you in return?

As followers of Jesus, we are called to do good to others and love them, irrespective of how they love or respond or treat us.

Let's all take our love for people to another level... let's love ALL people irrespective of whether they love us in return!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/valentines-dayAdding To The Familyhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/adding-to-the-familyFri, 09 Feb 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeMany years ago, Jenny and I were starting and growing our family. First Laura, next Lachlan and then Daniel. After three children I thought our family was complete, but Jenny still had a desire in her heart for another child. ]]>Many years ago, Jenny and I were starting and growing our family. First Laura, next Lachlan and then Daniel. After three children I thought our family was complete, but Jenny still had a desire in her heart for another child.

Many years ago, Jenny and I were starting and growing our family. First Laura, next Lachlan and then Daniel. After three children I thought our family was complete, but Jenny still had a desire in her heart for another child. She waited patiently and prayed while God worked on my heart to birth a desire to add one more child to our family. Our joy and family was complete when Alana was born. Each new addition had made our family better.

That joy of adding to our family, in some small way, reflects the joy of our Father in heaven when a new believer is added to His family. Heaven rejoices, and we do too when a sinner repents and turns to God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

A healthy church, just like a healthy family, is blessed by those who are added to the church family. Acts 2:42-47 highlights one such healthy church which enjoyed growth as new believers were added to God's family.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

May Liberty, likewise, enjoy good health and may God increase our joy, and His, as He continues to add daily to those who are being saved.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/adding-to-the-familyAnswered Prayerhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/answered-prayerFri, 26 Jan 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeJust after Christmas, Rose and I went away for a few days break. We were really looking forward to it since we had had a busy time over the Christmas season and were ready to re-charge.We loaded up the car and trailer to head off on a 2 hour drive. Approximately half way, suddenly the engine warning light came on. ]]>Just after Christmas, Rose and I went away for a few days break. We were really looking forward to it since we had had a busy time over the Christmas season and were ready to re-charge.We loaded up the car and trailer to head off on a 2 hour drive. Approximately half way, suddenly the engine warning light came on. Just after Christmas, Rose and I went away for a few days break. We were really looking forward to it since we had had a busy time over the Christmas season and were ready to re-charge.

We loaded up the car and trailer to head off on a 2 hour drive. Approximately half way, suddenly the engine warning light came on. If you know anything about cars, you know that this is not usually a good thing to happen! I stopped at the first safe place and consulted the car's manual. It indicated a possible problem with either the electrical system or the anti-pollution system, recommending that the car be taken as soon as possible to an authorized repairer. That meant it could still be driven, but it was also recommended to only drive slowly, so as to not strain the engine. That's a bit tricky when on a country highway, loaded with a trailer! But, it wasn't a catastrophic warning (i.e. yellow, not red warning light).

What to do? Head back home? Head for the nearest workshop (which probably wasn't open)? Or, continue carefully?

We prayed for wisdom and guidance, and decided to continue on carefully, trying not to slow down the other traffic too much. We arrived at our destination, with the warning light displayed all the way. Not the most relaxing drive I have ever done! It's amazing how all your senses are glued to what was happening - listening for a different sound that might warn of something major. But we still felt it was the right decision to proceed, trusting that God would get us there safely.

We didn't need to drive the car for a couple of days, and so we prayed that God would fix whatever was wrong. When we did need to drive, I started up with some hesitation, yet confident that God had carried us that far, and He would carry us wherever we needed to go.

No warning light displayed. Massive relief and thankful prayers to our loving God. When we returned late that night (New Years Eve), still no warning light. When we loaded up and headed back home, no warning light. Many prayers of thanks have been prayed and continue to be prayed for our miracle working God.The thought occurred to me to take the car to my mechanic when we got back, but then I realized that was placing more faith in him, than in God who had fixed the problem. I changed my mind and decided that when God fixes something, He fixes it permanently. So, I haven't taken it to the mechanic, and don't intend to.

No warning light has shown since.

What have I learned from this? God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives, even something as relatively insignificant as the operation of a car. It was a clear manifestation of what James says in his letter in James 4:2 (NIV):

"You do not have because you do not ask God."

I suggest you read that verse in context, because the whole thrust of that chapter is about submission to God. We trusted that God would enable us to continue on our journey and that when He fixes something, it is fixed!

Be encouraged. Be blessed.

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/answered-prayerIt's Time to Rest!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/its-time-to-restFri, 19 Jan 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeMaybe you have a pair of well-worn work boots yourself that look something like my ones below.I've had these boots for quite a few years now and they have served me really well. In fact, I would have kept wearing them until I realised that I had dug that many holes in the garden, that the sole had been completely cut through and every time I pushed down with my foot to dig a hole, I was actually pushing down directly onto the sole of my foot... no wonder I was getting a really sore foot ever...]]>Maybe you have a pair of well-worn work boots yourself that look something like my ones below.I've had these boots for quite a few years now and they have served me really well. In fact, I would have kept wearing them until I realised that I had dug that many holes in the garden, that the sole had been completely cut through and every time I pushed down with my foot to dig a hole, I was actually pushing down directly onto the sole of my foot... no wonder I was getting a really sore foot ever...

Maybe you have a pair of well-worn work boots yourself that look something like my ones below.

I've had these boots for quite a few years now and they have served me really well. In fact, I would have kept wearing them until I realised that I had dug that many holes in the garden, that the sole had been completely cut through and every time I pushed down with my foot to dig a hole, I was actually pushing down directly onto the sole of my foot... no wonder I was getting a really sore foot every time I did any serious digging at home!

My well-worn boots have had plenty of heavy tools and liquids dropped on them. They have been whipper snipped on numerous occasions. They have walked plenty of kilometres under the weight of heavy loads. They bear numerous scars: visual reminders of the countless tasks that they have helped me fulfil in renovating our home and developing our garden.

It is fair to say that they are now tired and ready to be rested... for good.

I'm sure most of us can personally relate to a pair of well-worn work boots. Like a pair of well-worn work boots, we get beaten up in life. We get weighed down and burdened from the responsibilities we carry. We get hurt and wounded by others. We get tarnished and scarred by the issues that we face and work through as we live in this broken world.

Fortunately, unlike well-worn work boots, we can find sustenance and receive healing from the hurts we experience in life, as we live from a place of rest in Jesus.

In Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV), Jesus said this:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Life is hard. Life can throw us some really significant challenges. But life was never meant to be lived alone... life was always meant to be lived from a place of rest in Jesus. From a place of being yoked to Jesus. Here is where we will find rest for our souls.

This year, why not renew your commitment to live life from a place of rest in Jesus? If you do this, you will find that not only will you be better able to deal with and endure the trials that come in life, but you will actually be able to rejoice and praise God in the midst of them! Experience and enjoy rest for your soul in Jesus this year *|FNAME|*!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/its-time-to-restQuestions, Questions...http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/questions-questionsFri, 12 Jan 2018 14:00:00 GMToffice@libertyfamilychurch.net.auTim ConnellyI was listening to Light FM recently, when one of their regular segments: A Daily Nudge by Karl Faase came up. He spoke about Francis Xavier, founder of the Jesuit order of priests, who went as a missionary to Japan in 1549.After learning the language, he was able to share the Gospel. Much of Japan was either Buddhist or Shinto, and a number of them asked Francis questions like:If God is good, why did He create evil?Why is there no way out of hell?What about my ancestors who never heard the Gosp...]]>I was listening to Light FM recently, when one of their regular segments: A Daily Nudge by Karl Faase came up. He spoke about Francis Xavier, founder of the Jesuit order of priests, who went as a missionary to Japan in 1549.After learning the language, he was able to share the Gospel. Much of Japan was either Buddhist or Shinto, and a number of them asked Francis questions like:If God is good, why did He create evil?Why is there no way out of hell?What about my ancestors who never heard the Gosp...

I was listening to Light FM recently, when one of their regular segments: A Daily Nudge by Karl Faase came up. He spoke about Francis Xavier, founder of the Jesuit order of priests, who went as a missionary to Japan in 1549.

After learning the language, he was able to share the Gospel. Much of Japan was either Buddhist or Shinto, and a number of them asked Francis questions like:

If God is good, why did He create evil?

Why is there no way out of hell?

What about my ancestors who never heard the Gospel? etc

Sound familiar? People today ask very similar questions. How do you respond? If you haven't been asked these questions, how would you respond anyway?

These are great concepts to wrestle with, and I think it is a challenge to us all to be able to live up to the Apostle Peter's exhortation from 1 Peter 3:15:

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

We have a hope that is founded on Christ. Let's all be prepared to explain that position with reason and respect.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/questions-questionsThe World Is Not Enoughhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-world-is-not-enoughFri, 05 Jan 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThe James Bond movie of 1999, "The World Is Not Enough", was the nineteenth spy film in the James Bond series. The film's plot revolves around the assassination of billionaire Sir Robert King by the terrorist Renard, and Bond's subsequent assignment to protect King's daughter Elektra, who had previously been held for ransom by Renard. During his assignment, Bond unravels a scheme to increase petroleum prices by triggering a nuclear meltdown in the waters of Istanbul.World p...]]>The James Bond movie of 1999, "The World Is Not Enough", was the nineteenth spy film in the James Bond series. The film's plot revolves around the assassination of billionaire Sir Robert King by the terrorist Renard, and Bond's subsequent assignment to protect King's daughter Elektra, who had previously been held for ransom by Renard. During his assignment, Bond unravels a scheme to increase petroleum prices by triggering a nuclear meltdown in the waters of Istanbul.World p...

The James Bond movie of 1999, "The World Is Not Enough", was the nineteenth spy film in the James Bond series. The film's plot revolves around the assassination of billionaire Sir Robert King by the terrorist Renard, and Bond's subsequent assignment to protect King's daughter Elektra, who had previously been held for ransom by Renard. During his assignment, Bond unravels a scheme to increase petroleum prices by triggering a nuclear meltdown in the waters of Istanbul.

World power and domination, so many have hungered and thirst for it over the millennia.

Fact or fiction, for many, the world is not enough.

Yet, history reminds us that kingdoms come and go. Fortunes are made and lost. Where do the chips fall? Who inherits the kingdom?

Jesus announced the good news of His eternal kingdom and told his disciples to share it with others.

Luke 10:1-9 (NIV) says:

"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’"

May we, likewise, be ambassadors for the King in 2018, bringing the kingdom near to others. May our prayer be that which Jesus taught, "Your kingdom come."

Have a great New Year in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-world-is-not-enoughHappy New Yearhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/happy-new-yearMon, 01 Jan 2018 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeOn behalf of the Liberty Elders, I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.May 2018 be a year of great fulfilment and blessing for you and your loved ones as you continue to live and love like Jesus. We look forward to continuing to journey with and encourage you in 2018 as we continue to love God and love others as a church community.Enjoy some rest and relaxation with your family and loved ones, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. God bless you!Blessings,Ps Joel ...]]>On behalf of the Liberty Elders, I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.May 2018 be a year of great fulfilment and blessing for you and your loved ones as you continue to live and love like Jesus. We look forward to continuing to journey with and encourage you in 2018 as we continue to love God and love others as a church community.Enjoy some rest and relaxation with your family and loved ones, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. God bless you!Blessings,Ps Joel ...On behalf of the Liberty Elders, I would like to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.

May 2018 be a year of great fulfilment and blessing for you and your loved ones as you continue to live and love like Jesus. We look forward to continuing to journey with and encourage you in 2018 as we continue to love God and love others as a church community.

Enjoy some rest and relaxation with your family and loved ones, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. God bless you!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/happy-new-yearPrioritising The Important in 2018http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/prioritising-the-important-in-2018Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficePriorities. Anyone who has lived for long in this world knows how important it is to prioritize the things that are truly important in leading a successful and fulfilling life.So what are those things we should prioritise? What are the main things that are crucial for each of us to invest our energies and resources in as we come to the start of a new year?I'd like to invite you to come along this Sunday - the 31st of December - as we explore these very questions in light of the New Year ahea...]]>Priorities. Anyone who has lived for long in this world knows how important it is to prioritize the things that are truly important in leading a successful and fulfilling life.So what are those things we should prioritise? What are the main things that are crucial for each of us to invest our energies and resources in as we come to the start of a new year?I'd like to invite you to come along this Sunday - the 31st of December - as we explore these very questions in light of the New Year ahea...Priorities. Anyone who has lived for long in this world knows how important it is to prioritize the things that are truly important in leading a successful and fulfilling life.

So what are those things we should prioritise? What are the main things that are crucial for each of us to invest our energies and resources in as we come to the start of a new year?

I'd like to invite you to come along this Sunday - the 31st of December - as we explore these very questions in light of the New Year ahead, by looking at what the Bible says we should prioritise in 2018.

Let's prepare for the New Year in the best way possible by inviting God to speak to and guide us in the things that He is calling us to prioritise in the year ahead.

Enjoy your time off over the Christmas break and I look forward to seeing you there on New Year's Eve *|FNAME|*!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/prioritising-the-important-in-2018Merry Christmashttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/merry-christmasMon, 25 Dec 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeOn behalf of all the Elders at Liberty, I would like to wish you and your family a very blessed and merry Christmas Day today.May today and the days ahead be full of joy, peace, hope and love as you spend time with your family, loved ones and reflect on the coming of King Jesus to earth and all that it means for us.May God richly bless you today as you celebrate Him and the coming of His Son to earth to redeem us!Blessings,Ps Joel Hawting ]]>On behalf of all the Elders at Liberty, I would like to wish you and your family a very blessed and merry Christmas Day today.May today and the days ahead be full of joy, peace, hope and love as you spend time with your family, loved ones and reflect on the coming of King Jesus to earth and all that it means for us.May God richly bless you today as you celebrate Him and the coming of His Son to earth to redeem us!Blessings,Ps Joel Hawting On behalf of all the Elders at Liberty, I would like to wish you and your family a very blessed and merry Christmas Day today.

May today and the days ahead be full of joy, peace, hope and love as you spend time with your family, loved ones and reflect on the coming of King Jesus to earth and all that it means for us.

May God richly bless you today as you celebrate Him and the coming of His Son to earth to redeem us!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/merry-christmasHave You Lost Sight of Jesus?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/have-you-lost-sight-of-jesusFri, 22 Dec 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeA few weeks ago I read this devotional as part of Greg Laurie's Christmas Encouragement Advent reading plan. I thought it was so good that it was worth sharing as one of our reflections to encourage you to seek Jesus as we approach Christmas. Enjoy!"On one occasion when Jesus was twelve years old, He went missing. ]]>A few weeks ago I read this devotional as part of Greg Laurie's Christmas Encouragement Advent reading plan. I thought it was so good that it was worth sharing as one of our reflections to encourage you to seek Jesus as we approach Christmas. Enjoy!"On one occasion when Jesus was twelve years old, He went missing.

"On one occasion when Jesus was twelve years old, He went missing. Mary and Joseph lost sight of Him, and it took three days of searching to find Him again. They had been in Jerusalem for the Passover, and as they were returning home, He was nowhere to be found. But here is the interesting thing: they traveled an entire day before they missed Him. It isn’t that they lost their love for Him or their faith. They just lost Him.

Can this happen to us? The answer is yes. It is possible to go through an hour, a day, or even a week without a passing thought of Jesus. (That is, until a crisis hits.) This is the easiest thing to do at Christmas. We are so busy celebrating the birth of Christ that we can forget about Christ. This is the time of year when we have all kinds of responsibilities. And God’s only begotten Son can become God’s only forgotten Son.

One way we lose Jesus is when nonessentials displace essentials. When we are busy, often our spiritual lives are the first things to go. We don’t have time to read God’s Word. We don’t have time to pray, even for a moment. We can’t afford to give anything to God because we have so many things to buy. We allow nonessentials to take the place of essentials.

Whenever I lose something, I retrace my steps. Where did I have it last? I go back to that place, and often I will find it there.

If you’ve found that you’ve lost Jesus in the busyness of life, then you need to go back to where you were before. And the good news is that even if we lose sight of Jesus, He never loses sight of us."

Don't lose sight of Jesus in this busy season... take the time to seek Him out. He is ready and waiting for us to come to Him!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/have-you-lost-sight-of-jesusThe Christmas Waiting Gamehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-christmas-waiting-gameFri, 15 Dec 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeHopefully, our childhood memories include the eager anticipation and expectation of waiting for Christmas Day.As we decorated the Christmas tree with our families in early December, and as presents were progressively wrapped and placed in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, as children we hoped and dreamt of receiving the desire of our hearts.As we counted down the sleeps until Christmas and the day finally arrived, what joy and excitement was ours if we unwrapped and saw the gift of our...]]>Hopefully, our childhood memories include the eager anticipation and expectation of waiting for Christmas Day.As we decorated the Christmas tree with our families in early December, and as presents were progressively wrapped and placed in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, as children we hoped and dreamt of receiving the desire of our hearts.As we counted down the sleeps until Christmas and the day finally arrived, what joy and excitement was ours if we unwrapped and saw the gift of our...Hopefully, our childhood memories include the eager anticipation and expectation of waiting for Christmas Day.

As we decorated the Christmas tree with our families in early December, and as presents were progressively wrapped and placed in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas, as children we hoped and dreamt of receiving the desire of our hearts.

As we counted down the sleeps until Christmas and the day finally arrived, what joy and excitement was ours if we unwrapped and saw the gift of our dreams.

Our understanding of Christmas grows as the years go by.

Childhood excitement of receiving presents is matched, or even exceeded, by the joy of giving.

Yet as we anticipate Christmas this year, may we still be excited to unwrap all of its layers and reveal the desire of the ages, Jesus Christ.

Such was the privilege of Simeon recorded in Luke 2:25-32:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

May each of us know God's peace as our eyes light up to Jesus this Christmas.

Often when we think about Christmas, all of these words immediately spring to mind. We can get so overwhelmed in the busyness of the season and miss out on what is truly good and fulfilling and remarkable about this season, as we invest all our energy in attempting to find the perfect gift or prepare the perfect Christmas meal for our loved ones.

But what if there was more to Christmas than that? What if there was far more to Christmas than material gifts, food and family gatherings?

Do yourself a favour this year... take some time out and join us each Sunday in the lead up to Christmas Day as we celebrate the greatest Christmas gift, Jesus Christ our King. Matthew 1:23 (ESV) says:

"“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)."

This is what we celebrate each and every year at Christmas. We'd love to encourage you in this special season as we come together to reflect on the coming of King Jesus - our Emmanuel - to earth.

Our Christmas series will start this Sunday the 10th of December and will conclude with a shorter message on our special Christmas Day service. I look forward to seeing you there on Sunday as we kick off this year's Christmas series *|FNAME|*!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/christmas-is-comingI'll Huff and I'll Puff!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/ill-huff-and-ill-puffFri, 01 Dec 2017 14:00:00 GMTJoel HawtingEveryone knows the story of the three little pigs. First, they made a house of straw, but the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew the house down. Then they made a house of sticks and the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew that house down also. ]]>Everyone knows the story of the three little pigs. First, they made a house of straw, but the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew the house down. Then they made a house of sticks and the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew that house down also. Everyone knows the story of the three little pigs. First, they made a house of straw, but the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew the house down. Then they made a house of sticks and the wolf huffed and he puffed and he blew that house down also. Finally, they made a house of bricks and we all know how it ended, the wolf blew off a lot of steam, but the house stood firm.

There have been many attempts to build the house of God ever since the days of Moses. Many have looked good from a distance, but up close the straw and the sticks have been revealed and in time the house has come tumbling down. However, right across the world, there are also many who have built with brick - the rock of truth - God's Word.

It is not hard to see that the wolf is still huffing and puffing. Will the house be blown down?

Not according to the builder's guarantee. In Matthew 16:13-18 we read:

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Take heart, that as the wolf continues to huff and puff, although there may be a lot of steam, the house will stand firm.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/ill-huff-and-ill-puffTime Might Be Precioushttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/time-might-be-preciousFri, 24 Nov 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI recently attended a funeral for a long-term client that I had been helping off-and-on with a number of issues, over a number of years. She was a lovely lady, who was a true survivor. Her life story would make a riveting read that if you didn't know better, you would assume was fictional. ]]>I recently attended a funeral for a long-term client that I had been helping off-and-on with a number of issues, over a number of years. She was a lovely lady, who was a true survivor. Her life story would make a riveting read that if you didn't know better, you would assume was fictional.

I recently attended a funeral for a long-term client that I had been helping off-and-on with a number of issues, over a number of years. She was a lovely lady, who was a true survivor. Her life story would make a riveting read that if you didn't know better, you would assume was fictional. More than anything her life demonstrated that it doesn't so much matter what happens to you in life, it is how you respond to it that is most important.

The funeral was a full Requiem Mass at a lovely church. All the family was there, some coping better than others in what is always a very difficult and emotional time. Some could barely speak in their tribute to her, which was very moving for all who were there.

Yet, I recall the last time I saw her, at a session only a few weeks ago, she lamented that much of her family didn't visit, to the point where she wondered if they truly cared at all about her. Perhaps somewhat cynically, she suggested that those who did visit were more about her giving them some money than simply spending time together.

I have heard similar stories for many years now, where some seem devastated at the death of someone, yet I know how little contact they had with that person in recent years. I can't help wondering if, along with their grief, it is regret or even guilt over not spending more time with them than they did?

My challenge to you today: is there someone in your life that you know you need to get in contact with? If so, what are you going to do about it? (BTW - I am talking about this to myself while writing this.)

You never know, time might be very precious. We don't know what the future might hold. I do know that having to live with regret and/or guilt magnifies the level of grief when they die because you can't do anything about it then.

James 4:13-14 puts it this way:

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Consider, Reflect, then Do!

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/time-might-be-preciousDecisions Decisionshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/decisions-decisionFri, 17 Nov 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeWhen was the last time you needed to make a decision in your life?Every one of us makes decisions every day; will I get up or push snooze?, what will I have for breakfast?, what will I watch on TV?These decisions are fairly straightforward and easy enough to make, but what about the BIG decisions in life...?How do you make the BIG decisions in life?Recently, Anita and I have had a number of big decisions to make in our lives. Some have been work-related, and some have been personal decisio...]]>When was the last time you needed to make a decision in your life?Every one of us makes decisions every day; will I get up or push snooze?, what will I have for breakfast?, what will I watch on TV?These decisions are fairly straightforward and easy enough to make, but what about the BIG decisions in life...?How do you make the BIG decisions in life?Recently, Anita and I have had a number of big decisions to make in our lives. Some have been work-related, and some have been personal decisio...

When was the last time you needed to make a decision in your life?

Every one of us makes decisions every day; will I get up or push snooze?, what will I have for breakfast?, what will I watch on TV?

These decisions are fairly straightforward and easy enough to make, but what about the BIG decisions in life...?

How do you make the BIG decisions in life?

Recently, Anita and I have had a number of big decisions to make in our lives. Some have been work-related, and some have been personal decisions. Regardless of this, our decision-making process is the same:

1. Talk to God about it - commit the decision to prayer - not once, but continually. Allow God to speak to you through your prayer times and also through the Bible as you read it.

2. Get the facts - it is very hard to make an informed decision without the necessary information, so find out what you need to know.

3. Seek wise council - ask close friends/family members (people you know you can trust and rely on) for their thoughts. God will often use the people close to us to talk to us. Then ask them to pray as well.

4. Make a decision and allow doors to open or shut - often God can make things clearer by making it known which way not to proceed, rather than categorically showing which way to proceed.

5. Seek God's peace - often you will know you have made the right decision by the sense of peace you feel; peace that surpasses understanding.

The reality is however, as much as God is interested in the decisions we make, He is far more interested in the people we are! At the end of the day, God wants us to honour Him with our lives, no matter what decisions we find ourselves making.

So next time you have BIG decisions to make, consider these 5 points, but more importantly, consider who you are.

Blessings,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/decisions-decisionThe Power of Lovehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-power-of-loveFri, 10 Nov 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeRecently, I saw a news report of a group of Australian Army veterans from WW2, who were preparing to go back to Kokoda to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the decisive battle that saw the Japanese army defeated and retreating back over the PNG highlands.These guys were well into their 90's. All veterans of battles that took place in that most difficult of environments. They were heading back to honour their fallen comrades in much the same way we saw the centenary remembrance of the Battle ...]]>Recently, I saw a news report of a group of Australian Army veterans from WW2, who were preparing to go back to Kokoda to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the decisive battle that saw the Japanese army defeated and retreating back over the PNG highlands.These guys were well into their 90's. All veterans of battles that took place in that most difficult of environments. They were heading back to honour their fallen comrades in much the same way we saw the centenary remembrance of the Battle ...

Recently, I saw a news report of a group of Australian Army veterans from WW2, who were preparing to go back to Kokoda to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the decisive battle that saw the Japanese army defeated and retreating back over the PNG highlands.

These guys were well into their 90's. All veterans of battles that took place in that most difficult of environments. They were heading back to honour their fallen comrades in much the same way we saw the centenary remembrance of the Battle of Beersheba which honoured the courage and commitment of the ANZAC soldiers in WW1.

One of the Kokoda veterans was asked about his reflections on the campaign. His response was one of those "stop you in your tracks" moments. He said:

"We will always have wars such as these, until the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power."

Wow! How very true. Such wisdom from a man who has "been there, done that"!

To me, this encapsulates the Gospel message. Surely his words are a paraphrase of Jesus' twin commandments of love, and reinforce that the wisdom of God's instruction is for our benefit.

Let's all re-commit to studying God's Word to learn and understand His guidance, which is for our benefit.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-power-of-loveCracked!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/crackedFri, 03 Nov 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIf you have driven long enough, at some time or other you will probably have had a stone, thrown up by another car or truck, hit your windscreen. If you are quick enough, you may have been able to stretch out a hand to brace the windscreen and possibly prevent more serious damage. If there has been a small crack or chip in your windscreen, you have probably thought that you could live with it without any major problems. ]]>If you have driven long enough, at some time or other you will probably have had a stone, thrown up by another car or truck, hit your windscreen. If you are quick enough, you may have been able to stretch out a hand to brace the windscreen and possibly prevent more serious damage. If there has been a small crack or chip in your windscreen, you have probably thought that you could live with it without any major problems.

If you have driven long enough, at some time or other you will probably have had a stone, thrown up by another car or truck, hit your windscreen. If you are quick enough, you may have been able to stretch out a hand to brace the windscreen and possibly prevent more serious damage. If there has been a small crack or chip in your windscreen, you have probably thought that you could live with it without any major problems. Yet the law states that the windscreen is unsafe and that it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Many people would think that this law is a bit of an overkill and why bother to fix the windscreen. However, if the defect is not corrected, serious danger lies down the road. If another stone was to hit the windscreen, or you were to hit a serious bump, like a deep pothole in the road, then it could lead to disaster. The windscreen might suddenly shatter with complete visual loss of the road ahead and a fatal crash could result.

Our Christian doctrine is like a windscreen through which we view the road of life. Cracks in our doctrine can have similar consequences to a cracked windscreen. They may seem inconsequential at the time or even go unnoticed, yet they are a serious risk to our journey of faith.

Cracks, such as we can have everything promised in heaven right now here on earth, or that God wants to make every believer rich in a worldly sense, are distortions to how we see the road of life and risk the Christian's faith suffering a fatal blow when life throws up the wrong stone or pothole.

The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy and each one of us to watch our doctrine closely, to prevent or repair any cracks so that we and those who listen to us can be kept safe.

1 Timothy 4:16 says:

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

Let's encourage one another in sound doctrine, and be open to correction when a brother or sister notices a crack in our windscreen, it will keep all of us safe so that we reach our destination with our faith alive and well.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/crackedMomentshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/momentsFri, 27 Oct 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeWhen you boil it all down, life is simply the collection of a whole lot of moments. Some moments are fun and exciting, like holidays and special celebrations. While other moments are sad and difficult to get through, like saying goodbye to a loved one or losing your job.In the same way, our faith life is a collection of moments also. ]]>When you boil it all down, life is simply the collection of a whole lot of moments. Some moments are fun and exciting, like holidays and special celebrations. While other moments are sad and difficult to get through, like saying goodbye to a loved one or losing your job.In the same way, our faith life is a collection of moments also.

When you boil it all down, life is simply the collection of a whole lot of moments. Some moments are fun and exciting, like holidays and special celebrations. While other moments are sad and difficult to get through, like saying goodbye to a loved one or losing your job.

In the same way, our faith life is a collection of moments also. Some moments are real 'highs' where we feel so close to God and His love feels extra tangible. While other moments are real 'lows' where we feel distant from God and we feel like God could 'never love me'.

I believe sometimes the best way to life is to simply 'be in the moment' and often we are too worried about what has been or what is to come, rather than reflecting on what we have right now.

Be encouraged and enjoy the 'highs'. Learn from, and allow God to carry you through the 'lows'. But always remember to thank God for the here and now and the moments you are creating right now!

Bless ya,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/momentsFeeling Insignificant?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/feeling-insignificantFri, 20 Oct 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn the book of Numbers, there are many interesting stories, as well as some mind numbing lists! The book starts with the 1st census of the Jews, counting the number of men who were 20 years old or greater according to their ancestral tribe of Jacob. This was to determine the size of their army, as they prepared to invade Canaan. ]]>In the book of Numbers, there are many interesting stories, as well as some mind numbing lists! The book starts with the 1st census of the Jews, counting the number of men who were 20 years old or greater according to their ancestral tribe of Jacob. This was to determine the size of their army, as they prepared to invade Canaan.

In the book of Numbers, there are many interesting stories, as well as some mind numbing lists! The book starts with the 1st census of the Jews, counting the number of men who were 20 years old or greater according to their ancestral tribe of Jacob. This was to determine the size of their army, as they prepared to invade Canaan. (As we read further on, this time, they backed out in fear from progressing with the invasion, thus condemning themselves to 40 years of wandering in the desert. The 2nd census occurred prior to the invasion that did occur 40 years later).

The numbers for each tribe, ranged from 74,600 for Judah, to 32,200 for Manasseh. Yet the tribe of Levi was not included in this census. Why? Because God had a special purpose in mind for the Levites. Subsequently, we read in Numbers 3, that God did ask Moses to count the Levites, every male a month or more old. The count came to 22,000. Note the different count criteria: 20 years plus for all tribes except Levi; 1 month or more for the Levites! Clearly the tribe of Levi was significantly smaller than all the other tribes. Yet God set them apart to serve as priests in His Tabernacle and to be responsible for all the Tabernacle structure and furnishings. This included the set-up and break-down of it, and its transport as they moved from place to place.

The Levites may have been the smallest tribe, yet they were assigned a very special task by God, that no-one from outside their tribe may do. In God's eyes, they were special.

I wonder if you have ever felt insignificant, of little value to God? If so, I encourage you to read these first few chapters of Numbers and see how God used this most seemingly insignificant tribe of all the Jews, to perform His special tasks.

If ever you do feel that sense of insignificance, spend some time with God and ask Him these 2 questions:

How do You feel about me?

What do You want me to do for You?

You might be surprised by what He tells you. You will certainly be encouraged.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/feeling-insignificantWhom Can You Trust?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/whom-can-you-trustWed, 18 Oct 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeWho are the people in your life that you can depend on, the ones who will always be there for you, who will never let you down? Maybe it's your mum or dad? Maybe your wife or husband? ]]>Who are the people in your life that you can depend on, the ones who will always be there for you, who will never let you down? Maybe it's your mum or dad? Maybe your wife or husband?

Who are the people in your life that you can depend on, the ones who will always be there for you, who will never let you down? Maybe it's your mum or dad? Maybe your wife or husband? A good friend? A colleague at work?

One of the things we learn in life is that trust is built over time. Some people repeatedly let us down and therefore shouldn't be trusted. Other people are good for their word and can be relied on.

The greater the matter at stake, the more important it is to choose someone you know well and can trust, someone of good character. When you get into a difficult situation you need people who are reliable and who can help pull you through.

The Apostle Paul was imprisoned for his preaching of salvation in Jesus Christ. Yet despite suffering in chains, he did not grow despondent regarding his situation. He was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that he had a trusted ally who would stick by him and deliver him into eternal freedom.

Paul knew the resurrected Jesus Christ, he had met Him on the road to Damascus. Paul had a deep understanding of The Person in whom he had put his trust, the One who had created heaven and earth, the One who loved him and died for his sins so that Paul could be righteous in God's sight, the One who promised him eternal life, the One who was one with The Father, The Almighty God!

2 Timothy 1:12 describes Paul's trust in Jesus:

"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day."

Whatever our situation or circumstance, what an encouragement it is to know we have a friend in high places who is altogether trustworthy! What peace of mind to know He has proved Himself good for His Word 100% of the time. As you read the gospels you can confirm that with everything Jesus promised, He delivered the goods, every time. Even to the point of rising from the grave on the third day!

If you have put your faith and hope in Jesus Christ, you too can be totally convinced that He is able to guard what you have entrusted to Him for the day He returns to take us home to be with Him.

Praise be to God!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/whom-can-you-trustGain The World, Forfeit Your Soulhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gain-the-world-forfeit-your-soulFri, 06 Oct 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeJust last week my phone buzzed and I was notified through my ABC app that Hugh Hefner - Playboy founder and multimillionaire - had died at the age of 91.Shortly after that, I was browsing through my Facebook feed and saw countless posts from celebrities and members of the general population alike, praising and celebrating him as a man and lauding the legacy that he left and the 'full' and 'rich' life that he had lived.The life that Hugh Hefner led could only be described as lavis...]]>Just last week my phone buzzed and I was notified through my ABC app that Hugh Hefner - Playboy founder and multimillionaire - had died at the age of 91.Shortly after that, I was browsing through my Facebook feed and saw countless posts from celebrities and members of the general population alike, praising and celebrating him as a man and lauding the legacy that he left and the 'full' and 'rich' life that he had lived.The life that Hugh Hefner led could only be described as lavis...

Just last week my phone buzzed and I was notified through my ABC app that Hugh Hefner - Playboy founder and multimillionaire - had died at the age of 91.

Shortly after that, I was browsing through my Facebook feed and saw countless posts from celebrities and members of the general population alike, praising and celebrating him as a man and lauding the legacy that he left and the 'full' and 'rich' life that he had lived.

The life that Hugh Hefner led could only be described as lavish and carnal (do yourself and your soul a favour: don't research the life he led or the publications he produced... if you want to read anything, check out this article from Desiring God). Suffice to say, there would have been few worldly pleasures and pursuits that he did not seek out, experience or promote in his life. He was a man who capitalised on the sexual revolution in the 60s and made himself a sizeable fortune, at the expense of the women - His playboy bunnies and celebrities - whom he objectified through his sleazy media empire.

As I reflected on this life that people were celebrating and lauding, Jesus' words in Mark 8:36 (ESV) came into the forefront of my mind:

" For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"

We can pursue a whole range of things in this life. We can - like Hugh - live lives where we indulge in any pleasure that takes our fancy. We can chase after and promote and covet the things of this world and 'gain' the whole world, but ultimately, we will forfeit our souls.

Let's learn from the life that Hugh led and the legacy he left and live lives that honour and glorify God, not lives that are given over to gratifying our sinful nature and indulging the passions of our flesh!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/gain-the-world-forfeit-your-soulCentredhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/centredFri, 29 Sep 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeA few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend our ACM National Conference for 2017. The conference this year featured some great guest speakers who shared around what it means to be God-centred or centred on Jesus Christ in this life.So what does it mean? How do we live lives that are centred on Jesus? ]]>A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend our ACM National Conference for 2017. The conference this year featured some great guest speakers who shared around what it means to be God-centred or centred on Jesus Christ in this life.So what does it mean? How do we live lives that are centred on Jesus? A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend our ACM National Conference for 2017. The conference this year featured some great guest speakers who shared around what it means to be God-centred or centred on Jesus Christ in this life.

So what does it mean? How do we live lives that are centred on Jesus? What does a God-centred life look like?

One writer says this about people who live God-centred lives:

"God-centered people are humble rather than conceited. Just as Christ did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), God-centered people seek to serve. They do not take advantage of their own rights and privileges, but instead, they use their rights and privileges for the benefit of others. Even though God-centered people are free in Christ, they do not view their freedom “as an opportunity for self-indulgence,” but instead they are free to “become slaves” to others (Gal 5:13). One way they do so is by actively looking for ways to bear other people’s burdens at their own expense (Gal 6:2). They imitate God by living “in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Eph 5:1-2). They glorify God by welcoming others, especially those of a different race or social class, by showing them the same kind of hospitality Christ showed them (Rom 15:7). And above all, they love other people in a way that reflects the love God showed in Christ (1 John 4:7-12)."

I don't know about you, but I want to live a God-centred life. I want to be a person who serves others... who bears the burdens of others... who loves other people with God's profound, sacrificial love!
The great news for us is that being centred in Jesus is not something that we do in our own strength, but we are empowered to live such a life by Jesus Christ who lives within us. As Galatians 2:20 (ESV) says:

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

God longs for us to open our hearts to His Son to allow Him to live in and shine through our lives. Let's give Him that room and allow Him to continually transform us into people who accurately reflect and draw others to Him as we remain centred in Him!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/centredThe Anchorhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-anchorFri, 22 Sep 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn the uncertainties of life so much is based on hope. The desire and determination to persevere through hard times is based on the hope that situations can change and things can get better.Recently we have witnessed multiple episodes of devastation by the wild forces of nature. Hurricanes in tropical North Queensland and, more recently, in Florida have seen property and people ravaged by monstrous winds. ]]>In the uncertainties of life so much is based on hope. The desire and determination to persevere through hard times is based on the hope that situations can change and things can get better.Recently we have witnessed multiple episodes of devastation by the wild forces of nature. Hurricanes in tropical North Queensland and, more recently, in Florida have seen property and people ravaged by monstrous winds. In the uncertainties of life so much is based on hope. The desire and determination to persevere through hard times is based on the hope that situations can change and things can get better.

Recently we have witnessed multiple episodes of devastation by the wild forces of nature. Hurricanes in tropical North Queensland and, more recently, in Florida have seen property and people ravaged by monstrous winds. In an attempt to save property, boats weighed heavy anchor in harbours to avoid being buffeted onto rocks and piers with limited success.

In life, we are inevitably challenged with storms and trials of various nature. It can be a struggle to navigate through to calm waters. As we are buffeted and tossed from one situation to another, how can we keep sane and get through the storm safely.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we have a hope that anchors our soul. This hope is based on the promise of God who is true to His Word, a hope that God will bring us through the storms of life to the safe harbour of eternity to enjoy with Him and fellow believers.

Hebrews 6:17-20 encourages us:

"Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf."

Praise God, that in the midst of life in a crazy fallen world, our hope in the promise of God is a firm and secure anchor for our souls!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-anchorThe Basis of Hopehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-basis-of-hopeFri, 15 Sep 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn the uncertainties of life so much is based on hope. The desire and determination to persevere through hard times is based on the hope that situations can change and things can get better.We hope that our vocational training, an apprenticeship, or our tertiary studies will lead to meaningful employment and income. We hope that the perfect life partner will cross our path. ]]>In the uncertainties of life so much is based on hope. The desire and determination to persevere through hard times is based on the hope that situations can change and things can get better.We hope that our vocational training, an apprenticeship, or our tertiary studies will lead to meaningful employment and income. We hope that the perfect life partner will cross our path. In the uncertainties of life so much is based on hope. The desire and determination to persevere through hard times is based on the hope that situations can change and things can get better.

We hope that our vocational training, an apprenticeship, or our tertiary studies will lead to meaningful employment and income. We hope that the perfect life partner will cross our path. Sometimes things work out the way we planned, sometimes not.

The outcome of our hope depends on the reliability of the premise that underpins it. In that case, can there be any hope that is a certainty?

The Christian hope is for resurrection and eternal life in the presence of God. The certainty of that outcome is based on the reliability of the premise that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. If Christ did not rise from the dead then our faith is futile and we are still in our sins.

But the reality of and the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ underpins our hope. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23:

"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."

Let's be encouraged by the certainty of that for which we hope. That's good news, and the good news is for sharing.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-basis-of-hopeAssurance in Christhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/assurance-in-christFri, 08 Sep 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeOn a recent trip to Bali, Anita and I were able to strike up a friendship with our driver whose name was IGede (pronounced G'Day!). IGede drove us around on three occasions and during these times shared with us about his wife and three children and we got chatting about his religion.The Balinese people are approximately 80% Hindu in their beliefs and IGede and his family were also Hindu. It is fact Balinese Hinduism is a mixture between Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism. ]]>On a recent trip to Bali, Anita and I were able to strike up a friendship with our driver whose name was IGede (pronounced G'Day!). IGede drove us around on three occasions and during these times shared with us about his wife and three children and we got chatting about his religion.The Balinese people are approximately 80% Hindu in their beliefs and IGede and his family were also Hindu. It is fact Balinese Hinduism is a mixture between Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism.

On a recent trip to Bali, Anita and I were able to strike up a friendship with our driver whose name was IGede (pronounced G'Day!). IGede drove us around on three occasions and during these times shared with us about his wife and three children and we got chatting about his religion.

The Balinese people are approximately 80% Hindu in their beliefs and IGede and his family were also Hindu. It is fact Balinese Hinduism is a mixture between Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism. Even though I have studied various religions before, speaking to someone who was directly involved in this type of religion somehow made things more real.

For me, there were three key differences that stood out most profoundly between IGede's religion and our faith in Jesus Christ.

Firstly, in contrast to our God who loves us unconditionally and who longs for a closer relationship with each one of us IGede was required to religiously make offerings to his god three times a day in order to win his favour, and appease him in some way. Further to this, he never knew for certain whether his offerings were good enough.

Secondly, his whole purpose in life was inward focussed. Always worrying about how good his karma was and always striving for greater karma to pass on to his kids, but yet again, never knowing for sure if it was ever going to be enough. This again is a big contrast to our faith that is, in essence, outward focussed and ultimately centred around loving God and loving others.

Thirdly, IGede's eternal destiny was unclear to him. He will never know what he will reincarnate as until it happens. All he can do is to hope for the best. Again, a big contrast to the certainty of salvation, and eternity with God in heaven, that is assured to us because we are Christians.

I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the assurance I have in Jesus Christ. The knowledge that I am good enough just as I am, accepting the work of Christ on the cross, can never be fully appreciated. All I can do is daily thank God for His salvation and honour Him with my life. How about you?

God bless,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/assurance-in-christDo I Really Need to Read That?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/do-i-really-need-to-read-thatFri, 01 Sep 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeSometimes when we are reading the Bible, we come across sections of Scripture that are just plain hard to get through. In my Bible reading plan, I am currently working my way through the book of Leviticus.I find it is the hardest book of the Bible to read. It is full of quite graphic descriptions of the different sacrifices and laws around clean / unclean etc, that I struggle to reconcile to my life in Healesville 2017.2 points that come to mind which I need to remind myself of, whenever I am in...]]>Sometimes when we are reading the Bible, we come across sections of Scripture that are just plain hard to get through. In my Bible reading plan, I am currently working my way through the book of Leviticus.I find it is the hardest book of the Bible to read. It is full of quite graphic descriptions of the different sacrifices and laws around clean / unclean etc, that I struggle to reconcile to my life in Healesville 2017.2 points that come to mind which I need to remind myself of, whenever I am in...Sometimes when we are reading the Bible, we come across sections of Scripture that are just plain hard to get through. In my Bible reading plan, I am currently working my way through the book of Leviticus.

I find it is the hardest book of the Bible to read. It is full of quite graphic descriptions of the different sacrifices and laws around clean / unclean etc, that I struggle to reconcile to my life in Healesville 2017.

2 points that come to mind which I need to remind myself of, whenever I am in the midst of Leviticus in particular, are as follows:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 reads: 'All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work'. This means that even Leviticus has something to teach me, and it is worthwhile me persisting in reading it until I find what God may be trying to say to me from it.

I am so thankful for Jesus and His death and resurrection, that has freed us from the endless cycle of sacrifices depicted in Leviticus. Jesus died once for all, for all time. He was the perfect sacrifice for all people, for all time. In reading Leviticus, it reminds me to thank Jesus for all He has done.

Perhaps you have been avoiding some books of the Bible? May I encourage you to dig a bit deeper, and open up those sections of Scripture that you may have marked as "off-limits". You may be surprised what God wants to teach you from it!

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/do-i-really-need-to-read-thatWhat's Your Take on the Matter?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/whats-your-take-on-the-matterFri, 25 Aug 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeOne of the great fascinations in life is appreciating the many different opinions that people may hold on any number of issues.It can lead to great discussions around the dinner table about the merits or pitfalls of different points of view.Political persuasion, religion, sexuality, marriage, parenting, education, sport, international relations, the list is almost endless. Sometimes we agree on matters, sometimes we agree to disagree. Hopefully, we can still be friends at the end of the day.To w...]]>One of the great fascinations in life is appreciating the many different opinions that people may hold on any number of issues.It can lead to great discussions around the dinner table about the merits or pitfalls of different points of view.Political persuasion, religion, sexuality, marriage, parenting, education, sport, international relations, the list is almost endless. Sometimes we agree on matters, sometimes we agree to disagree. Hopefully, we can still be friends at the end of the day.To w...

One of the great fascinations in life is appreciating the many different opinions that people may hold on any number of issues.

It can lead to great discussions around the dinner table about the merits or pitfalls of different points of view.

Political persuasion, religion, sexuality, marriage, parenting, education, sport, international relations, the list is almost endless. Sometimes we agree on matters, sometimes we agree to disagree. Hopefully, we can still be friends at the end of the day.

To whom do you give the last word on a matter?

My encouragement, like Tim in his message last Sunday regarding the Bereans, is for each one of us is to give the Word of God the final say.

The scripture is not just our interpretation on an issue, the thoughts of men, it is God's thoughts on the matter. And His thoughts and ways are so far superior to ours!

2 Peter 1:20-21 says:

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

As encouraged by Tim last Sunday, let's continue to make the Word of God our authority and final take on all matters pertaining to faith and conduct.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/whats-your-take-on-the-matterPhysical Touchhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/physical-touchFri, 18 Aug 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeToday I want to continue my series of reflections on the application of what Gary Chapman described as the 5 Love Languages that apply in all relationships. Specifically here, looking at their application in our relationship with God. We have previously examined Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Giving & Receiving Giftsand Acts of Service.Today, we look at Physical Touch.For those of you who are aware of the 5 Love Languages, I can imagine your curiosity as to how I may explain the use of ...]]>Today I want to continue my series of reflections on the application of what Gary Chapman described as the 5 Love Languages that apply in all relationships. Specifically here, looking at their application in our relationship with God. We have previously examined Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Giving & Receiving Giftsand Acts of Service.Today, we look at Physical Touch.For those of you who are aware of the 5 Love Languages, I can imagine your curiosity as to how I may explain the use of ...

For those of you who are aware of the 5 Love Languages, I can imagine your curiosity as to how I may explain the use of that "language" in our relationship with God. Fair question - guess why I have left it to last! Just kidding, but it does require some thought as to how God can express His love to us through Physical Touch, and we can do similarly to Him.

God is spirit, therefore is the question even valid? Actually, I think it is, although it may not be immediately obvious.

I believe such love is expressed by God and to God, vicariously. This is a word that may not be familiar to you.

The Pocket Oxford Dictionary defines 'vicarious' as 'Acting as a substitute, done or experienced by one person on behalf of another.'

God's great vicarious act of love was in the substitutionary death by Jesus for our sins.

So, what about Physical Touch?

I believe, when someone places an encouraging hand on our shoulder, gives us a hug when we are grieving or simply shakes our hand in friendship - all done in the name of Jesus - then that is God Himself doing so.

Similarly, when we extend our physical touch, appropriate to the occasion, to another in the name of Jesus, then that is our love for God being expressed.

I base this view on Matthew 25:40: "The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." You may have wondered why the Bible suggests when we pray for someone, to "lay hands on them". I believe this is an example of God expressing His love through Physical Touch.

So there you have it: God expressing His love to us and we expressing our love to Him, using the 5 Love Languages. I hope you have been blessed by this series.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/physical-touchAudience of Onehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/audience-of-oneFri, 11 Aug 2017 05:00:00 GMTLiberty Office"I come on my knees,To lay down before you.Bringing all that I am,Longing only to know you.Seeking your face,And not only your hand.I find you embracing me,Just as I am."These are some of the lyrics to one of my all time favourite songs. It is called 'Audience of One' by the Christian band Big Daddy Weave.For me, this song reminds me that above everything else in this world, Jesus and my relationship with Him is all that matters. It reminds me that my ultimate prior...]]>"I come on my knees,To lay down before you.Bringing all that I am,Longing only to know you.Seeking your face,And not only your hand.I find you embracing me,Just as I am."These are some of the lyrics to one of my all time favourite songs. It is called 'Audience of One' by the Christian band Big Daddy Weave.For me, this song reminds me that above everything else in this world, Jesus and my relationship with Him is all that matters. It reminds me that my ultimate prior...

"I come on my knees,To lay down before you.Bringing all that I am,Longing only to know you.Seeking your face,And not only your hand.I find you embracing me,Just as I am."

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/audience-of-oneComing Homehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/coming-homeMon, 31 Jul 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeComing HomeMost of us love going on holidays. Apart from a rest from our work and busy lives, it gives us a chance to see and experience different places, different peoples and perhaps even different cultures. We usually have a lot of fun and enjoy the break.Yet after a while away, we usually get the feeling that it would be nice to be back home. ]]>Coming HomeMost of us love going on holidays. Apart from a rest from our work and busy lives, it gives us a chance to see and experience different places, different peoples and perhaps even different cultures. We usually have a lot of fun and enjoy the break.Yet after a while away, we usually get the feeling that it would be nice to be back home. Coming Home

Most of us love going on holidays. Apart from a rest from our work and busy lives, it gives us a chance to see and experience different places, different peoples and perhaps even different cultures. We usually have a lot of fun and enjoy the break.

Yet after a while away, we usually get the feeling that it would be nice to be back home. We get a yearning to be back home.

Why is that?

I think it is because home is where the people are that are closest to us, the people we love the most and who love us the most. No matter how great the holiday, it can never substitute for being in the presence of loving family and friends.

As Christians we have a similar experience. We yearn to be at home with the Lord. In the presence of God we are with the one who loves us more than any other.

2 Corinthians 5:8 says:

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

As Christians, we also have a longing to be with our church family, who by the Spirit of Christ living within each one, also love each other dearly. The Apostle Paul expressed this desire in Romans 15:31-32:

"Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people there, so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed."

So as we go about our busy lives, let's cherish the yearning to be with our brothers and sisters in Christ and in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/coming-homeWhat it Means to Love Godhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-it-means-to-love-godFri, 28 Jul 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI came across this devotion written by John Piper at Desiring God and enjoyed it so much, that I thought I'd share it with you all. I hope you are encouraged by it as much as I was when I read it!--- O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. ]]>I came across this devotion written by John Piper at Desiring God and enjoyed it so much, that I thought I'd share it with you all. I hope you are encouraged by it as much as I was when I read it!--- O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.

--- O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. (Psalm 63:1–2)

Only God will satisfy a heart like David’s. And David was a man after God’s own heart. That’s the way we were created to be.

This is the essence of what it means to love God: to be satisfied in him. In him — not just his gifts, but God himself, as the glorious person that he is!

Loving God will include obeying all his commands; it will include believing all his word; it will include thanking him for all his gifts. But all that is overflow. The essence of loving God is admiring and enjoying all he is. And it is this enjoyment of God that makes all of our other responses truly glorifying to him.

We all know this intuitively as well as from Scripture. Do we feel most honored by the love of those who serve us from the constraints of duty, or from the delights of fellowship?

My wife is most honored when I say, “It makes me happy to spend time with you.” My happiness is the echo of her excellence. And so it is with God. He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

None of us has arrived at perfect satisfaction in God. I grieve often over the murmuring of my heart when I lose some earthly comfort or convenience. But I have tasted that the Lord is good. By God’s grace I now know the fountain of everlasting joy.

And so I love to spend my days luring people into joy until they say with me, “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).

I pray that you would find satisfaction in God this week as you spend time with Him and enjoy marvelling at who He is! He is most glorified when you do!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-it-means-to-love-godActs of Servicehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/acts-of-serviceFri, 21 Jul 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeContinuing my series of reflections on the application of what Gary Chapman described as the 5 Love Languages that apply in all relationships. Specifically here, looking at their application in our relationship with God. We have previously examined Words of Affirmation, Quality Time and Giving & Receiving Gifts.Today, we look at Acts of Service.Does God express His love to us through performing acts of service? ]]>Continuing my series of reflections on the application of what Gary Chapman described as the 5 Love Languages that apply in all relationships. Specifically here, looking at their application in our relationship with God. We have previously examined Words of Affirmation, Quality Time and Giving & Receiving Gifts.Today, we look at Acts of Service.Does God express His love to us through performing acts of service? Continuing my series of reflections on the application of what Gary Chapman described as the 5 Love Languages that apply in all relationships. Specifically here, looking at their application in our relationship with God. We have previously examined Words of Affirmation, Quality Time and Giving & Receiving Gifts.

Today, we look at Acts of Service.

Does God express His love to us through performing acts of service? When you read the Bible, it doesn't take long to appreciate the answer to that question is a resounding YES!

Let's just have a very quick survey through the Bible and pick out some highlights:

1. His creation - read Genesis 1:1-31. In particular note v27-31 and you can see that the whole act of creation was for man to live in and grow in relationship with God.

2. Expulsion from the Garden of Eden - read Genesis 3:21-24. Firstly God made clothes for Adam & Eve, then He expelled them from the Garden and prevented their return. This was to ensure they did not have access to the Tree of Life, which otherwise would have enabled them to live forever in their sinful state. It was an act of service to enable them and all subsequent people, to die physically, but hopefully to be redeemed spiritually to God, which eventually became possible through Jesus.

3. The Exodus - Read Exodus 7:1 -12:50. The mighty hand of God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

And on it goes - God's protection over the Israelites in their 40-year journey in the desert; His power on display as they conquered Canaan; etc etc....

The supreme act of service, however, came in the form of Jesus. A concise summary is found in Philippians 2:6-11. I encourage you to read it, meditate on it and worship Him for it.

What about us? How can we perform acts of service for God, as a demonstration of love for Him?

Just a couple of days prior to Jesus being arrested, tried, executed and 3 days laterresurrected, Jesus spent a lot of time with His disciples, going over many of the matters He had been teaching them over the previous 3 years. Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew's Gospel records a lengthy "sermon" by Jesus to His close companions. At the end of it, Matthew 25:31-46, He tells the parable of what is called the Sheep and the Goats. Jesus addresses this very issue. He summarises His views in verse 40 and also verse 45.

Firstly verse 40:

The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Next verse 45:

He will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."

God views how we treat others as if we are treating Him that way. As we serve others, we serve God. As we ignore others, we ignore God. This can be quite confronting as we pause to consider this passage carefully. Rather than perhaps feeling condemned, (remember Romans 8:1), use it as a challenge to lift our game as we seek to obey the twin commandments of love.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/acts-of-serviceBlessed To Be a Blessinghttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/blessed-to-be-a-blessingFri, 14 Jul 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeAfter watching the 100% Hope Children's Choir perform last Friday night and hearing some of the children's incredible stories of survival, I was once again challenged to count my blessings...Here in our wonderful country of Australia we truly do have it so good and so easy. Even our 'worst' day is often better than the 'best' day of an orphaned child in a third world country.As a parent, this challenges me a lot, as I consider what life could be like for my children if th...]]>After watching the 100% Hope Children's Choir perform last Friday night and hearing some of the children's incredible stories of survival, I was once again challenged to count my blessings...Here in our wonderful country of Australia we truly do have it so good and so easy. Even our 'worst' day is often better than the 'best' day of an orphaned child in a third world country.As a parent, this challenges me a lot, as I consider what life could be like for my children if th...

After watching the 100% Hope Children's Choir perform last Friday night and hearing some of the children's incredible stories of survival, I was once again challenged to count my blessings...

Here in our wonderful country of Australia we truly do have it so good and so easy. Even our 'worst' day is often better than the 'best' day of an orphaned child in a third world country.

As a parent, this challenges me a lot, as I consider what life could be like for my children if they were born in a different country.

I also continually encourage my children to be grateful for the many blessing we do have, especially when they are wanting the newest and greatest 'thing', and I encourage them to pray for those who don't have anywhere near as much as they do.

James 1:27 says:

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

I believe that as Christians, God calls us to look beyond ourselves, beyond our first world 'wants', and to look for ways to bless those that need help.

I firmly believe that, in this country, we have been blessed to be a blessing. My challenge to you is: what does that look like for you and how will you act on it?

God bless,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/blessed-to-be-a-blessingFamily Fun!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/family-funFri, 07 Jul 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeSome of my favourite memories growing up as a kid revolve around times spent together with my family on holidays and doing certain activities together.I remember the countless games of cricket that I participated in with my family every time we went on a holiday to the beach. I remember the many bushwalks that I completed with my Dad over the years, sometimes walking up to 25km just to access some hard to reach, secluded bush location with the most breathtaking scenery. I remember the barrow loa...]]>Some of my favourite memories growing up as a kid revolve around times spent together with my family on holidays and doing certain activities together.I remember the countless games of cricket that I participated in with my family every time we went on a holiday to the beach. I remember the many bushwalks that I completed with my Dad over the years, sometimes walking up to 25km just to access some hard to reach, secluded bush location with the most breathtaking scenery. I remember the barrow loa...Some of my favourite memories growing up as a kid revolve around times spent together with my family on holidays and doing certain activities together.

I remember the countless games of cricket that I participated in with my family every time we went on a holiday to the beach. I remember the many bushwalks that I completed with my Dad over the years, sometimes walking up to 25km just to access some hard to reach, secluded bush location with the most breathtaking scenery. I remember the barrow loads and barrow loads of gravel and soil that I lugged around Mum & Dad's property over the years, as well as the days spent chopping firewood with Dad in the backyard.

Many of my favourite memories growing up involve doing things together with my family. I had a blessed childhood with lots of family fun that's for sure!

There is nothing like when a family comes together and enjoys one another's company as they complete certain tasks together. We've got an opportunity to do just that as a church family at our special Working Bee tomorrow morning, from 9am- 12pm. The building renovations are starting on our church building on the 17th of July and we have a lot to clean up before the builders can come in!

There will be jobs for people of all ages and abilities (including children) and we will be enjoying some morning tea and also a sausage sizzle (with vegetarian options) together as well. Weather permitting, we will also have our jumping castle up and running for the kids to enjoy when they take a break from packing and stacking boxes!

So I want to encourage you... let's make shared memories and enjoy each other's company as we clean up God's house together as a church family! Let's all - men, women and children - band together and prepare our building and grounds for the works to be completed on our building in the months ahead. Let's have some family fun together on Saturday morning at our special Working Bee!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/family-funGiving and Receiving Giftshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/giving-and-receiving-giftsFri, 30 Jun 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeThis is the next in the series I have been doing about how God expresses His love to us, and we express our love to God, utilising what Gary Chapman describes as the 5 Love Languages. We now come to the giving and receiving of Gifts. How does this apply in our relationship with God?Firstly, does God express His love toward us through Gifts? ]]>This is the next in the series I have been doing about how God expresses His love to us, and we express our love to God, utilising what Gary Chapman describes as the 5 Love Languages. We now come to the giving and receiving of Gifts. How does this apply in our relationship with God?Firstly, does God express His love toward us through Gifts?

This is the next in the series I have been doing about how God expresses His love to us, and we express our love to God, utilising what Gary Chapman describes as the 5 Love Languages. We now come to the giving and receiving of Gifts. How does this apply in our relationship with God?

Firstly, does God express His love toward us through Gifts? Matthew 7:11 certainly indicates that He does:

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

I love the exclamation mark at the end of that sentence by Jesus. In other words, isn't it obvious? Jesus is clearly saying that our Heavenly Father is ready, willing and able to pour out His blessings on us, especially if we ask Him.

But God goes even further than that. He also blesses those who reject Him, which we read in Matthew 5:44-45:

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

God loves all people and is continually pouring out His love in very tangible ways that we can all too easily take for granted.

What about us? Can we express our love to God through gifts?

Certainly! As we give of our time, our talent and our treasure in the service of God, we are expressing our love to Him. God has blessed us in so many ways. As we utilise those blessing for His Kingdom's sake, then we are offering it as a gift to Him. This comes down to attitude as much as anything.

Here is a suggestion. Whenever you are doing anything for the Kingdom of God, whether that be volunteering at Church, giving financially to the Church or other Kingdom causes, or caring for those around you, whatever it is, do it as an offering to God and you will know your attitude is right. You will also reap the peace and assurance of knowing you have told God in that practical way, how much you love Him.

A final thought. Giving of a gift is great, but it is only effective when the gift is received.

When we give gifts to one another, we like to know that the recipient has received it and appreciates it. It is no different with God. We know He appreciates our gifts, from 2 Corinthians 9:7:

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

God delights in our enthusiastic giving because it shows clearly how much we value our relationship with Him.

We also need to express our appreciation to God for all the blessings that He pours out on us. It is helpful to us to be grateful for the multitude of blessings we receive from Him. This keeps our focus on Him and not on our current circumstances or the world around us.

Here is a challenge for this week: look for something new to thank God for every day.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/giving-and-receiving-giftsWhat a Milestonehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-a-milestoneFri, 23 Jun 2017 13:00:00 GMTPs Joel HawtingWhat a Milestone!Today's Elders' Reflection marks the 100th Pastor's Update/Elder's Reflection that we have published... what a milestone we've reached! What a cause for celebration!Okay... ]]>What a Milestone!Today's Elders' Reflection marks the 100th Pastor's Update/Elder's Reflection that we have published... what a milestone we've reached! What a cause for celebration!Okay... What a Milestone!

Today's Elders' Reflection marks the 100th Pastor's Update/Elder's Reflection that we have published... what a milestone we've reached! What a cause for celebration!

Okay... so that might be going a bit far. But nonetheless, when I noticed that this one would be the 100th that we have ever published, it got me thinking about milestones.

We celebrate a whole lot of things as milestones in life don't we?

We celebrate the developmental milestones our children reach. We cheer them on and rejoice as they start tracking and following us with their eyes, smiling and laughing, and eventually as they roll over, sit and start to crawl.

We celebrate age-related milestones too (perhaps more enthusiastically the lower the number we reach!). We celebrate when people reach the ages 13, 18, 21 and pretty much every '0' Birthday after that.

We also celebrate relational milestones (dating, engagement, marriage) and work milestones (changing fields or success in 'climbing the corporate ladder'. We really love taking the time to celebrate and enjoy all the milestones that we've reached!

Have you ever thought about milestones when it comes to your faith?

Maybe you fondly look back on the time when you were baptised. Or when you received your first adult Bible. Or when you encountered the love and power of God in an amazing way.

All these things should cause us joy and should be celebrated. But let's not forget this: we can aim to reach and achieve milestones in our faith into the future as well.

Where are you at when it comes to your faith journey? What milestones do you feel the Spirit of God encouraging and challenging you to work towards in the weeks, months and years ahead?

God longs to see us go deeper in relationship with Him and in the many expressions of our faith. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you identify, pursue and reach the milestones that He wants you to reach in your faith journey today!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-a-milestoneDie Before You Grow Oldhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/die-before-you-grow-oldFri, 16 Jun 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI remember growing up listening to some of Robbie William's music from time to time. One of his most popular songs - no it's not his duet with Kylie Minogue called Kids! - was a song called Old Before I Die.The lyrics of the chorus go like this:"I hope I'm old before I die, I hope I live to relive the days gone by. I hope I'm old before I die, But tonight I'm gonna live for today. So come along for the ride, I hope I'm old before I die."...]]>I remember growing up listening to some of Robbie William's music from time to time. One of his most popular songs - no it's not his duet with Kylie Minogue called Kids! - was a song called Old Before I Die.The lyrics of the chorus go like this:"I hope I'm old before I die, I hope I live to relive the days gone by. I hope I'm old before I die, But tonight I'm gonna live for today. So come along for the ride, I hope I'm old before I die."...

I remember growing up listening to some of Robbie William's music from time to time. One of his most popular songs - no it's not his duet with Kylie Minogue called Kids! - was a song called Old Before I Die.

The lyrics of the chorus go like this:

"I hope I'm old before I die,

I hope I live to relive the days gone by.

I hope I'm old before I die,

But tonight I'm gonna live for today.

So come along for the ride,

I hope I'm old before I die."

Sounds like a pretty good summary of what our culture prioritises and hopes for in life doesn't it?

The person writing the article was a Pastor who had officiated at many funerals and had been present as many people passed away. He reflected on the joy of seeing those who have faith in Jesus Christ departing from this life into glory in eternity. He also reflected on two men that he ministered to who - in their last days - sadly saw no need for Jesus Christ and His grace. As he reflects in the article:

"One fellow told me that I could pray for him but he wasn’t interested in doing anything religious himself. He’d never done it before; why do it now? The other fellow just sort of entertained my notions as the requisite “last rites” or some such things, but gave no response to the invitation to repent and believe in Jesus."

The writer's basic message in the article was that all of us need to die before we grow old. We need to die to ourselves, and instead, live for Christ. As C.S. Lewis says:

"Die before you die. There is no chance after."

Let's be those who lose our lives for Jesus' sake, and in doing so, discover life (Matthew 10:39)! Let's be people who don't get caught up in the ways and priorities of the world and enthrone things above, and pursue things before, God!

Let's be people who die before we grow old. If we do, we will enjoy life in all its fullness in this life, and enjoy security, peace and joy in intimate relationship with Jesus, for eternity in the one to come.

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/die-before-you-grow-oldThe 'Omnis' of Godhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-omnis-of-godFri, 09 Jun 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeA couple of weeks ago I shared about the omniscience of God as part of the 10 Things I Love About God series, and that this is definitely an incredible attribute that I love about God.I shared that God's knowledge is complete! This means that God knows everything about His creation, including us, and the comforting thing is that the same God who knows every star by name, and who knows everything there is to know about us, still loves us unconditionally and desires to be in relationship...]]>A couple of weeks ago I shared about the omniscience of God as part of the 10 Things I Love About God series, and that this is definitely an incredible attribute that I love about God.I shared that God's knowledge is complete! This means that God knows everything about His creation, including us, and the comforting thing is that the same God who knows every star by name, and who knows everything there is to know about us, still loves us unconditionally and desires to be in relationship...

A couple of weeks ago I shared about the omniscience of God as part of the 10 Things I Love About God series, and that this is definitely an incredible attribute that I love about God.

I shared that God's knowledge is complete!

This means that God knows everything about His creation, including us, and the comforting thing is that the same God who knows every star by name, and who knows everything there is to know about us, still loves us unconditionally and desires to be in relationship with us.

For me, the two other 'omnis', omnipotence and omnipresence are just incredible...

The fact that God is omnipotent - all powerful - means that there is nothing too big for God. In Matthew 19:26 Jesus tells us that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” If God wants to do something, He can do it!

Also, God's omnipresence - always present - means that God is always there, whether we realise it or not. We can't escape God's presence. In Psalms 139:7 David reflects on this saying "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?". God is everywhere, which means He is always there for you!

The God I love is all knowing, all powerful and always present. He knows everything about me, is powerful enough to save me from my sins and is right here with me every step I take.

Do you know this God too?

Bless ya,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-omnis-of-godQuality Timehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/quality-timeFri, 02 Jun 2017 05:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeYou may recall I have been describing the different means by which love can be expressed and received. Then, applying them to our relationship with God. You will have received the outline of the Love Languages on 24 March, followed by the 1st Love Language - Words of Affirmation on 28 April. ]]>You may recall I have been describing the different means by which love can be expressed and received. Then, applying them to our relationship with God. You will have received the outline of the Love Languages on 24 March, followed by the 1st Love Language - Words of Affirmation on 28 April. You may recall I have been describing the different means by which love can be expressed and received. Then, applying them to our relationship with God. You will have received the outline of the Love Languages on 24 March, followed by the 1st Love Language - Words of Affirmation on 28 April. Today I look at the 2nd Love Language - Quality Time.

Does God express His love to us through Quality Time? Can we express our love to God through Quality Time?

God is always available. He is never too busy to spend time with us. Even though He has the whole universe to run, He still desires to spend quality time with each of us. It is an amazing thought to consider that God loves each person so much, even though He is God and we are just simple and imperfect human beings, He wants to spend time with us.

Jesus modelled this for us when He often took Himself away from the group He was with, in order to spend time in prayer with His Abba Father. This is Quality Time. As nice as it is to be with friends and family, particularly for all you extrovert types, if you want to spend quality time with anyone, you can't do it in a group. You need to spend 1-1 time together. This is God's desire also for our relationship with Him.

Have you ever tried to have a meaningful conversation in a noisy place? It just doesn't work! The same with communicating with God. We cannot hope to spend Quality Time with Him if we never set aside some time and space to do so.

You may have come across the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 when God wanted to speak to him:

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.

A "gentle whisper" cannot be heard in a crowd, in a noisy environment or where there are distractions. It can only be heard when time and space are set aside for the purpose of spending time with Him.

The limitation of Quality Time does not come from God, rather it is from our busy lives or perhaps our competing priorities. God is always available for whenever we are. We don't need to make an appointment with God - His office is one that is always open. When we "walk in", it is as if we are the only one in the universe as far as God is concerned. He won't give you the "hurry up" and "look at his watch" as if you are running out of time with Him. No way! He is ready, willing and available as soon as we are and for as long as we want to spend time with Him.

So, this week, why not set a goal of just a couple of minutes each day that is specifically and solely targeted to communicating with God? Worth a try? I think so - you might find you really enjoy it :-)

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/quality-time"Washing"http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/washingFri, 26 May 2017 05:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeLiving in Healesville, it seems there is so much that attracts dirt. The windows of our homes are forever getting dirty, the dog regularly rolls in the dust for a scratch, and our cars pick up dirt from unsealed roads and every time it rains.It's takes time and effort to wash the windows, the dog and our cars. But the the time and effort are worth it.We are rewarded with pristine views of the mountains, a loving pooch to cuddle or a shiny car to drive.There is great value in washin...]]>Living in Healesville, it seems there is so much that attracts dirt. The windows of our homes are forever getting dirty, the dog regularly rolls in the dust for a scratch, and our cars pick up dirt from unsealed roads and every time it rains.It's takes time and effort to wash the windows, the dog and our cars. But the the time and effort are worth it.We are rewarded with pristine views of the mountains, a loving pooch to cuddle or a shiny car to drive.There is great value in washin...

Living in Healesville, it seems there is so much that attracts dirt.

The windows of our homes are forever getting dirty, the dog regularly rolls in the dust for a scratch, and our cars pick up dirt from unsealed roads and every time it rains.

It's takes time and effort to wash the windows, the dog and our cars.

But the the time and effort are worth it.

We are rewarded with pristine views of the mountains, a loving pooch to cuddle or a shiny car to drive.

There is great value in washing, I am sure your family and friends will agree!

This Sunday we have the privilege of witnessing Zac King and Nicole McCrimmon get the most thorough wash of their lives, baptism.

Baptism is a visible act that symbolises what has taken place in our hearts when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

We have confessed and turned away from our sin, we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, and we have chosen to follow and obey God.

We are washed clean from all our sins and we can now approach God with confidence.

Hebrews10:22gives us tremendous encouragement regarding our baptism,

"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

There is great joy in heaven when one sinner repents.

Join us at Liberty this Sunday and let's double our joy together!

Yours in Christ,

Peter Rogers.

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/washingYou've crossed the line!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/youve-crossed-the-lineFri, 19 May 2017 05:00:00 GMTLiberty Office“There’s a line… and St Kilda crossed it in that situation.”Maybe you heard about the big incident on the football field last weekend where Mark Murphy – a key player for the Carlton Football Club – was targeted by St Kilda with very personal hurtful sledges about his wife and his family. As you can imagine, this event didn’t go down well with anyone. Media identities, fans and the AFL quickly made statements condemning the behaviour.Past greats of the ...]]>“There’s a line… and St Kilda crossed it in that situation.”Maybe you heard about the big incident on the football field last weekend where Mark Murphy – a key player for the Carlton Football Club – was targeted by St Kilda with very personal hurtful sledges about his wife and his family. As you can imagine, this event didn’t go down well with anyone. Media identities, fans and the AFL quickly made statements condemning the behaviour.Past greats of the ...

“There’s a line… and St Kilda crossed it in that situation.”Maybe you heard about the big incident on the football field last weekend where Mark Murphy – a key player for the Carlton Football Club – was targeted by St Kilda with very personal hurtful sledges about his wife and his family. As you can imagine, this event didn’t go down well with anyone. Media identities, fans and the AFL quickly made statements condemning the behaviour.

Past greats of the game along with the AFL Player’s Association called for the introduction of a Code of Conduct so that players would know the boundaries when it comes to sledging the opposition. “There’s a line when it comes to sledging and St Kilda crossed it” they argued. The particular St Kilda players along with their coach called Mark Murphy to personally apologise for crossing the line with their conduct on the field.Now I personally don’t think that there is any place for sledging in sport… but I can see how a code of conduct could be useful in ensuring that AFL players are clear on what is and what is not appropriate conduct on or off the football field.Sometimes we too (just like AFL footballers!) need to know where the ‘line’ is, don't we? We are fortunate to have the Bible and Jesus’ example to show us healthy boundaries for living life well and not ‘crossing the line’ into sin.I’ve been reading a great book by John Dickson called A Doubter's Guide to the Bible, and I was reading a chapter about Moses and the Law when I came across this reflection on the 10 Commandments:“The Old Testament constantly describes its laws as “life”, “joy”, “blessing” and true “freedom.” This will puzzle a modern reader, who is used to thinking of freedom as the power to choose any course of action. Surely “thou-shalt-not,” a phrase repeated endlessly in the Ten Commandments, is the epitome of restriction and authoritarianism. Well, no… of course the Ten Commandments are stated negatively – for the simple reason that only a few things really are forbidden and pretty much everything else is there to be enjoyed.”Have you ever thought of the 10 Commandments as being commandments that actually bring us life, joy, blessing and true freedom? Have you ever considered that knowing where ‘the line is’ in terms of right conduct, actually helps us to be in a place of freedom? Praise God that we have His Word to help us not only know where the ‘line’ is, but also to give us instruction, wisdom and encouragement to not cross it!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/youve-crossed-the-line"It's not fair!"http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/its-not-fairFri, 12 May 2017 17:05:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIHow many times have you heard that sentence in your life? Probably countless times. So much in life doesn't seem fair."It's not fair that you got a bigger slice of the pie than me!""It's not fair that I didn't get a higher mark for my assignment!""It's not fair that I got sick!"Where can we go to get a fair deal? ]]>IHow many times have you heard that sentence in your life? Probably countless times. So much in life doesn't seem fair."It's not fair that you got a bigger slice of the pie than me!""It's not fair that I didn't get a higher mark for my assignment!""It's not fair that I got sick!"Where can we go to get a fair deal? I

How many times have you heard that sentence in your life? Probably countless times. So much in life doesn't seem fair.

"It's not fair that you got a bigger slice of the pie than me!"

"It's not fair that I didn't get a higher mark for my assignment!"

"It's not fair that I got sick!"

Where can we go to get a fair deal? Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (NIV) tells us exactly where:

"I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."

One of the things I love about God is His justice. God is always fair in all His ways. Even when life doesn't seem fair!

One of my favourite quotes by C.S. Lewis challenges us to consider how we ourselves respond to the Christian faith:"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."

How true and profound is that statement?

Last Sunday Tim mentioned a movie called The Case for Christ. Lee Strobel - the author of the book that this movie is based on - was confronted with this exact conundrum when his wife became a Christian and was baptised.

As the movie synopsis says:

"A hard-driving journalist, Lee Strobel was exactly where he expected to be at work: on top. His award-winning investigative reporting recently earned him a promotion to legal editor at the Chicago Tribune. But things weren't going nearly as well at home where his wife Leslie's newfound faith in Christ went against everything Lee believed - or didn't believe - as an avowed atheist. Utilising his journalistic and legal training, Lee begins a quest to debunk the claims of Christianity in order to save his crumbling marriage. Chasing down the biggest story of his career, Lee comes face-to-face with unexpected results that could change everything he knows to be true."

It is good to be challenged from time to time on what we believe to be true. What a great opportunity we have to do just that as we watch and learn from Lee Strobel's journey in The Case for Christ!

Laura and I have tickets to see it this weekend... why not get some for yourself and invite a searching friend or family member to come along with you? I'm sure the movie will cause some interesting conversations to be had on the car trip home!

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/the-case-for-christWords of Affirmationhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/words-of-affirmationFri, 28 Apr 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeI spoke previously about the 5 Love Languages, which you would have received on the 24th of March. In this note, I look at the first of the Love Languages - Words of Affirmation.Does God speak to us with Words of Affirmation?The answer is a clear and resounding YES, when we read His Word and come across passages such as John 3:16, which says:"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."Don&...]]>I spoke previously about the 5 Love Languages, which you would have received on the 24th of March. In this note, I look at the first of the Love Languages - Words of Affirmation.Does God speak to us with Words of Affirmation?The answer is a clear and resounding YES, when we read His Word and come across passages such as John 3:16, which says:"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."Don&...

I spoke previously about the 5 Love Languages, which you would have received on the24th of March. In this note, I look at the first of the Love Languages - Words of Affirmation.

Does God speak to us with Words of Affirmation?

The answer is a clear and resoundingYES, when we read His Word and come across passages such as John 3:16, which says:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Don't you sense the love that God has for us, in this passage? It says God valued us so much that God didn't want to leave us in our separated state due to sin, but provide the means by which we could be made righteous, by believing in Jesus. To me, that is affirming. It says God loves me, and as a consequence, Jesus suffered, died and then rose victorious on that first EasterSundaymorning.

To further emphasise this, we also read in John's 1st Letter in 1 John4:10:

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

That's how much God loves us and His Word affirms it.

What about us? Can we speak Words of Affirmation to Him?

That's exactly what Worship is. In music, in prayer and in quiet meditation, when we spend time telling God how great and marvellous He is, we are speaking Words of Affirmation to him.

Next Sunday, during music ministry, bear this in mind as you sing the songs that declare His goodness, His holiness, His grace and mercy. What a great God we serve.

My prayer is that your worship will grow as you soak in His love for you and tell Him how much you love Him.

Blessings,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/words-of-affirmationJoin us this Sunday for an Instruments for the Outback special service!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/join-us-this-sunday-for-an-instruments-for-the-outback-special-service-libertyWed, 26 Apr 2017 18:30:00 GMTLiberty Office We are excited to announce that we will be having a special service featuring Levi McGrath and Andy Horneman on this Sunday the 23rd of April.Both Levi and Andy are passionate and gifted musicians who have developed an initiative called Instruments for the Outback. This initiative aims to resource isolated outback communities that have little or no access to musical instruments, by raising funds to purchase quality instruments for them. Levi and Andy are convinced that music can make a rea...]]> We are excited to announce that we will be having a special service featuring Levi McGrath and Andy Horneman on this Sunday the 23rd of April.Both Levi and Andy are passionate and gifted musicians who have developed an initiative called Instruments for the Outback. This initiative aims to resource isolated outback communities that have little or no access to musical instruments, by raising funds to purchase quality instruments for them. Levi and Andy are convinced that music can make a rea...

We are excited to announce that we will be having a special service featuring Levi McGrath and Andy Horneman on this Sunday the 23rd of April.

Both Levi and Andy are passionate and gifted musicians who have developed an initiative called Instruments for the Outback. This initiative aims to resource isolated outback communities that have little or no access to musical instruments, by raising funds to purchase quality instruments for them. Levi and Andy are convinced that music can make a real difference in people's lives.

On Sunday these guys will be leading worship and will be sharing with us why they are so passionate about this opportunity, and how God has guided them to serve in this particular way.

We will be collecting a special offering to help them in their quest to raise $20,000 for the cause so if you are keen to support them, make sure to bring some cash with you on Sunday. Otherwise, you can support their initiative by donating online at their secure crowd funding website here.

We look forward to having you join us on Sunday for this special service!

Blessings,

Ps Joel Hawting

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/join-us-this-sunday-for-an-instruments-for-the-outback-special-service-libertyCostly Grace. Extravagant Love.http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/costly-grace-extravagant-loveFri, 14 Apr 2017 13:00:00 GMTjoel@libertyfamilychurch.net.auJoel HawtingCostly Grace. Extravagant Love.Growing up as a young kid and as a teenager, I didn’t view Good Friday as being a special day. You could probably say that I had a bit of a problem with Good Friday. ]]>Costly Grace. Extravagant Love.Growing up as a young kid and as a teenager, I didn’t view Good Friday as being a special day. You could probably say that I had a bit of a problem with Good Friday. Costly Grace. Extravagant Love.

Growing up as a young kid and as a teenager, I didn’t view Good Friday as being a special day. You could probably say that I had a bit of a problem with Good Friday. I remember thinking to myself whenever this day came around… “It’s Good Friday again… what’s so ‘good’ about this day of all days!?”

I struggled to understand why anyone would want to celebrate the death of Jesus and have extra ‘special’ church services like the one we are having today. I struggled to understand how such a day could ever be thought of as being ‘good’.

Why is today 'good'?

Good Friday is ‘good’ because Good Friday marks the day when Jesus Christ – motivated and compelled by His great love for us – freely chose to hang on Calvary’s cross, bearing the weight of mankind’s sin, to deal with the issue of mankind’s sin, once and for all.

Costly grace. Extravagant love. Displayed for all to see.

I want to encourage you to get along to church over Easter and join us as we celebrate and remember Jesus' costly grace and extravagant love for us. We have services on both Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, starting at 10am.

We look forward to having you join us this weekend!

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/costly-grace-extravagant-loveYay... It's Friday!http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/yay-its-fridayFri, 07 Apr 2017 13:00:00 GMToffice@libertyfamilychurch.net.auSteven KingIt's Friday, Yay! I'm not sure about you, but I love the school holidays; I can sleep in a bit longer, there is less of a crazy rush in the mornings and, best of all, I get to spend some extra time with my children.I have four children, and they are now all at school full-time, which is very exciting, but it also means I don't get to see them during the day anymore.You see, I am blessed to be able to have my business office in the Main Street of Healesville, and so I am often able to pop home fo...]]>It's Friday, Yay! I'm not sure about you, but I love the school holidays; I can sleep in a bit longer, there is less of a crazy rush in the mornings and, best of all, I get to spend some extra time with my children.I have four children, and they are now all at school full-time, which is very exciting, but it also means I don't get to see them during the day anymore.You see, I am blessed to be able to have my business office in the Main Street of Healesville, and so I am often able to pop home fo...It's Friday, Yay! I'm not sure about you, but I love the school holidays; I can sleep in a bit longer, there is less of a crazy rush in the mornings and, best of all, I get to spend some extra time with my children.

I have four children, and they are now all at school full-time, which is very exciting, but it also means I don't get to see them during the day anymore.

You see, I am blessed to be able to have my business office in the Main Street of Healesville, and so I am often able to pop home for lunch.

Don't get me wrong, it is lovely to be able to spend my lunch hour with my beautiful wife, but in the school holidays, I also get to see my children, and this I love!

In saying this though, a relationship is a two-way thing...

If my children simply shut themselves in their bedrooms all day and didn't care less if I came home for lunch or not, my endeavours would be pointless.

I could come home all excited to see them and ready to spend some quality time with them, but if they were not interested, it wouldn't mean anything.

God wants desperately for you and I to be as excited about spending time with Him as He is excited about spending time with us.

Maybe these school holidays are actually a chance for you to have lunch with God and spend some quality time with Him?

James 4:8 says:

'Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you'

God bless,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/yay-its-fridayThe Road to Jerusalem: A Walk to Change HistoryFri, 31 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMToffice@libertyfamilychurch.net.auPeter RogersWalks can change history!In early 1930, Mohandas Ghandi led "The Salt March", which was an act of civil disobedience to protest British rule in India. Britain’s Salt Acts prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt, a staple in the Indian diet. During the march, thousands of Indians followed Gandhi from his religious retreat near Ahmedabad to the Arabian Sea coast, a distance of some 240 miles. ]]>Walks can change history!In early 1930, Mohandas Ghandi led "The Salt March", which was an act of civil disobedience to protest British rule in India. Britain’s Salt Acts prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt, a staple in the Indian diet. During the march, thousands of Indians followed Gandhi from his religious retreat near Ahmedabad to the Arabian Sea coast, a distance of some 240 miles.

Walks can change history!

In early 1930, Mohandas Ghandi led "The Salt March", which was an act of civil disobedience to protest British rule in India. Britain’s Salt Acts prohibited Indians from collecting or selling salt, a staple in the Indian diet. During the march, thousands of Indians followed Gandhi from his religious retreat near Ahmedabad to the Arabian Sea coast, a distance of some 240 miles. There, Gandhi and his supporters were to defy British policy by making salt from seawater. The march resulted in the arrest of nearly 60,000 people, including Gandhi himself. As a result of the march and subsequent events, India finally was granted its independence in 1947.

A similar walk to change history took place in early 1965.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) made Selma, Alabama, the focus of its efforts to register black voters in the South. That March, protesters attempting to march from Selma to the state capital of Montgomery were met with violent resistance by state and local authorities. As the world watched, the protesters (under the protection of federalized National Guard troops) finally achieved their goal, walking around the clock for three days to reach Montgomery. The historic march, and King’s participation in it, greatly helped raise awareness of the difficulty faced by black voters in the South, and the need for a Voting Rights Act, passed later that year.

There have been many walks like these that have changed the course of history.

But by far the greatest is the walk taken by Jesus along the road to Jerusalem.

This walk changed history for all mankind!

I invite you to join us at Liberty over the next two Sundays as we join Jesus on his walk along the road to Jerusalem.

Could this walk change your history?

]]>How do we love God; How does God love us?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/how-do-we-love-god-how-does-god-love-usFri, 24 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeIn a book that (incredibly) first came out in the 1990's, Gary Chapman proposed that there are 5 key ways by which we receive and express love. His book: "The Five Love Languages" has been, and continues to be, a best seller.His proposition is that love is expressed fundamentally in these 5 different ways, which he calls Love Languages. In each there is massive variation in how it is expressed and received - which he calls dialects. ]]>In a book that (incredibly) first came out in the 1990's, Gary Chapman proposed that there are 5 key ways by which we receive and express love. His book: "The Five Love Languages" has been, and continues to be, a best seller.His proposition is that love is expressed fundamentally in these 5 different ways, which he calls Love Languages. In each there is massive variation in how it is expressed and received - which he calls dialects. In a book that (incredibly) first came out in the 1990's, Gary Chapman proposed that there are 5 key ways by which we receive and express love. His book: "The Five Love Languages" has been, and continues to be, a best seller.

His proposition is that love is expressed fundamentally in these 5 different ways, which he calls Love Languages. In each there is massive variation in how it is expressed and received - which he calls dialects. This is his list of 5 Love Languages:

Words of Affirmation

Quality Time

Gifts

Acts of Service

Physical Touch

He also proposes that each individual has a love language that they are particularly adept at, or respond sensitively to, more than the other languages. This he calls, the Primary Love Language (PLL).

How can we find our PLL? You can do an online survey atwww.fivelovelanguages.comwhich will guide you through a series of questions to identify your preferences. Many intuitively know their PLL. Usually, this is what we are looking for in our relationships. It is also how we usually express love to our spouse (etc) which is great as long as that is also their PLL. If not, what is it? Learn to express love in the manner that your spouse (etc) needs to receive. It is good to be "multi-lingual".

But what about God? What is His PLL?

1 John 4:8 says:

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Since God is love, He is the full expression of love. Which means He loves fully across all Love Languages and He is receptive to our expressions of love in any Love Language. You don't have to worry that you are expressing love in a manner that God struggles to receive. Also, you can be assured that God is speaking to you in the Love Language that you need to hear.

In future weeks, we will look at each of these Love Languages - how God could be expressing His love toward us, and how we can express our love toward Him.

God bless,

Tim Connelly

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/how-do-we-love-god-how-does-god-love-usPerfect Knowledgehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/perfect-knowledgeWed, 15 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMTLiberty Office Back in primary school we used to have a maths tables competition. A ladder was formed and the competition was fierce. Challenges came left right and centre to shake the pecking order. ]]> Back in primary school we used to have a maths tables competition. A ladder was formed and the competition was fierce. Challenges came left right and centre to shake the pecking order.

Back in primary school we used to have a maths tables competition. A ladder was formed and the competition was fierce. Challenges came left right and centre to shake the pecking order. The league leaders were regularly challenged and had to defend their positions. All aspired to finish top of the ladder and have no peer or equal.

It's funny how everything is relative, isn't it? Many years have since passed and the pursuit of knowledge is never ending. The more we know, the more we realise we are yet to learn. Knowledge is ever increasing in all its fields. Energy sources, information technology, medical research, astrophysics, agricultural techniques are just a few examples where our knowledge is expanding in great leaps and bounds. Imagine if someone could attain complete perfect knowledge, that person would be incredible, absolutely amazing. The world would stand in awe and admiration!

One such person does exist.

He knows it all, everything about everything, past, present and future.

He deserves our awe and admiration.

He is incredible and absolutely amazing.

His name, God.

Isaiah 40:25-26:

“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."

Job 21:22:

“Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since he judges even the highest?

In the presence of a master, when there is no way you can compete, the most appropriate action is to take off your hat and bow in the presence of greatness.

Gotta love the Lord our God!

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/perfect-knowledgePerfect Lovehttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/perfect-loveFri, 10 Mar 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeLove is widely acknowledged as the highest pursuit for our lives.We desire to love our partner, children and neighbours. When we look at the world and ourselves, we often fall short. In all honesty, we could often love better.But could we dare to love perfectly? ]]>Love is widely acknowledged as the highest pursuit for our lives.We desire to love our partner, children and neighbours. When we look at the world and ourselves, we often fall short. In all honesty, we could often love better.But could we dare to love perfectly?

Love is widely acknowledged as the highest pursuit for our lives.

We desire to love our partner, children and neighbours. When we look at the world and ourselves, we often fall short. In all honesty, we could often love better.

But could we dare to love perfectly? If so, where would we start?

Thankfully, we have an example to follow. Jesus.

1 John 4:16-18:

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Jesus' love is perfect because it drives out our fear. We can have confidence when we stand before God because Jesus took our punishment on the cross.

Jesus wants us to be perfect like our Father in heaven. That's reaching for the stars! But it's not an impossible dream. We are made perfect in love.

Let's be like Jesus in this world. Loving God. Loving Others.

Peter Rogers

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/perfect-loveWhatever It Takeshttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/whatever-it-takesFri, 03 Mar 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeHave you ever had a time in your life when you have been blown away by someone's love and willingness to do whatever it takes for you?Anita (my wife) and Emily and Zoe (our two young girls) were all home sick the other day, and Anita was sick to the point that she couldn't even get out of bed to look after the girls properly - she was in a bad way! To make things worse, I had a business meeting in the city for most of the day that I genuinely needed to be at.My Mum helped out by collecting the b...]]>Have you ever had a time in your life when you have been blown away by someone's love and willingness to do whatever it takes for you?Anita (my wife) and Emily and Zoe (our two young girls) were all home sick the other day, and Anita was sick to the point that she couldn't even get out of bed to look after the girls properly - she was in a bad way! To make things worse, I had a business meeting in the city for most of the day that I genuinely needed to be at.My Mum helped out by collecting the b...

Have you ever had a time in your life when you have been blown away by someone's love and willingness to do whatever it takes for you?

Anita (my wife) and Emily and Zoe (our two young girls) were all home sick the other day, and Anita was sick to the point that she couldn't even get out of bed to look after the girls properly - she was in a bad way! To make things worse, I had a business meeting in the city for most of the day that I genuinely needed to be at.

My Mum helped out by collecting the boys from school, which was a real blessing, and others who knew of the situation also offered their assistance, which was lovely, but it was my mother-in-law who blew me away with her love and willingness to help...

Anita was in bed, unable to get up to properly look after our girls when my mother in law just happened to call to say 'hi'. As soon as she realised how tough it was for Anita, she jumped in her car and drove over an hour and a half to be with her daughter and stay as long as she was needed. Anita didn't even ask, she just did it out of love.

The only response to this that Anita (and I) could feel was love in return and absolute gratitude.

Her act of sacrificial love reminds me in some way of God's sacrificial love that He demonstrated for us.

Roman's 8:28 reminds us that 'while we were still sinners, Christ died for us'.

We were in a bad way, worse than Anita's earthly sickness, we were all eternally sick due to our sins and God 'so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will not die (eternally) but have eternal life (John 3:16). Christ came to our aid in our time of need and this also blows me away!

We didn't even ask, yet Christ did everything for us to enable us to be eternally well again and spend eternity with Him in heaven, all we have to do is be willing to accept the help.

My response to this is love in return and absolute gratitude!

What is your response?

God bless,

Steven King

]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/whatever-it-takesWhat is Your Picture of God?http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-is-your-picture-of-godFri, 24 Feb 2017 14:00:00 GMTLiberty OfficeWhen you think of God, what immediately comes to mind? Is it His grace: His forgiveness; His love; or any of His other wonderful and amazing attributes? Is it His power, or His righteousness that has captured your imagination?What "grabs" me, is God's incredible creativity. ]]>When you think of God, what immediately comes to mind? Is it His grace: His forgiveness; His love; or any of His other wonderful and amazing attributes? Is it His power, or His righteousness that has captured your imagination?What "grabs" me, is God's incredible creativity. When you think of God, what immediately comes to mind? Is it His grace: His forgiveness; His love; or any of His other wonderful and amazing attributes? Is it His power, or His righteousness that has captured your imagination?

What "grabs" me, is God's incredible creativity. We see this on display in our beautiful world, particularly around this part of the world where we are so privileged to live. We also see breathtaking beauty when we gaze into the night sky at the myriad of stars and constellations. Advances in science have allowed us to see further and more clearly into our galaxy - the Milky Way, and beyond into other far off galaxies. The Hubble Space Telescope is one such instrument that has yielded amazing pictures of environments that further testify to God's stunning creativity.

One such picture that I find truly inspiring is that of what is known as the "Whirlpool Galaxy".

What a beautiful picture of this galaxy! Yet, at the very core of this galaxy, we see God's fingerprint in His creation. When the Hubble Space Telescope zoomed in at the centre of the Whirlpool galaxy, what they found was simply stunning.

The cross, forever linked to Jesus, is found at even these far reaches of the universe, and reminds us that God is present everywhere at all time. He is so powerful and so creative that He left this clue to His presence, just waiting to be discovered! What a creative God we serve!

What else can we do but love Him all the more as we discover more about Him?

God bless you as you consider His creation.

Tim Connelly]]>http://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/what-is-your-picture-of-godThinking of Youhttp://www.libertyfamilychurch.net.au/thinking-of-youFri, 17 Feb 2017 14:00:00 GMToffice@libertyfamilychurch.net.auPeter RogersIsn't it wonderful when people are thoughtful toward us!To know that we are in someone's thoughts can encourage us, lift us up and sustain us.When someone thinks about and acts for our well being it is truly a sign of their love for us.We are in God's thoughts.The God who created and holds the universe together has the time and the inclination to consider each one of us. That is incredibly wonderful!Psalm 139:1-6:"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit ...]]>Isn't it wonderful when people are thoughtful toward us!To know that we are in someone's thoughts can encourage us, lift us up and sustain us.When someone thinks about and acts for our well being it is truly a sign of their love for us.We are in God's thoughts.The God who created and holds the universe together has the time and the inclination to consider each one of us. That is incredibly wonderful!Psalm 139:1-6:"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit ...Isn't it wonderful when people are thoughtful toward us!

To know that we are in someone's thoughts can encourage us, lift us up and sustain us.

When someone thinks about and acts for our well being it is truly a sign of their love for us.

We are in God's thoughts.

The God who created and holds the universe together has the time and the inclination to consider each one of us. That is incredibly wonderful!

Psalm 139:1-6:

"You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."

How God loves us!

May God be constantly in our thoughts as we seek to love the Lord our God.